Robbinsdale Area Schools
Elementary

Fine Arts

Student playing instrument

We believe an education rich in the arts is absolutely integral to the development of a well-rounded person, and understand the positive effects arts education brings to student learning. Arts education is emphasized for all ages, and we are proud of our reputation for award-winning programs in drama, music and fine arts.

Fine Arts consists of five disciplines: Dance, Media Art, Music, Visual Arts, and Theater. Elementary students attend media, music and art classes throughout the week on a rotating schedule. Each elementary school has annual grade-level choir performances, which also feature dance and music. Several elementary schools put on theater performances and talent shows.  District music students perform annually at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis and at prestigious locations around the world.

Award-winning arts district

Robbinsdale Area Schools is known for its award-winning fine arts education programs.

  • We are the first school district in the nation to receive the Medallion Award from the Children's Theatre Foundation for exceptional contributions to K-12 theatre.
  • Our school board received the 2002 Arts Education Leadership Award from the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education for its commitment to arts education for students.  
  • We have been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Music Education in America.
  • In 2020, we earned the distinction of a Best Community for Music Education from the National Association of Music Merchants in 2020. The annual award recognizes school districts across the United States for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to providing access to music education.

District-wide art shows

Our elementary art program features two district-wide art shows per year held at a local art gallery.  Exhibits feature a variety of mediums created by students in Kindergarten through 5th grade from all 11 elementary schools in the district. Art teachers select student work to be featured. 

Orchestra and band

More than 5,000 of our students participate in choir, band and orchestra. In addition to the classroom instruments students learn to play, students have the opportunity to join Orchestra in 4th Grade or Band in 5th Grade. Orchestra and band teachers work with students on instrument selection; teach students how to care for their instrument; read music; learn how to play; and create music with a group.

We host an annual all-district orchestra concert as well as school-level orchestra and band performances.

All-District Choir

For students who wish to participate in a more challenging singing experience, All-District Choir is available by audition to 5th grade students within the district. Auditions are held in the spring for the upcoming school year.

All-District Choir rehearses one day per week throughout the school year. Practices are held before school begins at one of our elementary schools; students are then transported by school bus to their respective elementary schools.

This ensemble holds multiple performances throughout the year, including at Orchestra Hall as part of the district's Fall Music Festival.

Concert Videos

See archived recordings of concerts such as the Fall Music Festival, All-District Orchestra concerts, high school choir/band/orchestra concerts and more!