About MISD Fine Arts

2020 Best Communities for Music Education

At McAllen ISD, we strive to create a well-rounded, complete student. Our Fine Arts Department is one of the best, having been designated as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” every year since 2013 by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. We are one of the few districts that offer a comprehensive fine arts program that includes award-winning band, choir, orchestra, theatre art and visual art programs from 6th through 12th grade. We also offer very successful mariachi and dance programs at all of our comprehensive high schools. In addition, our elementary schools employ degreed and certified music teachers from Kindergarten through 5th grade. 

Studies show that students involved in the arts tend to be better performers in school. If music is not your thing, join one of our fabulous visual art, theatre or dance programs. Our students consistently earn distinction at both regional and state levels and we take pride in placing our students center-stage. So strike up the band, take up a brush, or cue the spotlight, your future beckons.

Mission

The mission of the Fine Arts department is to promote the development of skills, knowledge and appreciation of the arts through music, theatre, visual art and dance.  We believe that every child should have access to an aesthetic education through systematic and sequential study in one or more of the arts disciplines.  All students should have the opportunity to create, to perform and to become educated consumers of the arts.  

About Our Program

MISD Fine Arts has a very well-rounded and successful department.  The programs that we offer are: 

  • Elementary Music

  • Band

  • Choir

  • Orchestra

  • Art

  • Theatre

  • Mariachi

  • Dance

All McAllen ISD Fine Arts organizations align with national, state and district standards and excel in competition from regional to state wide events.  In addition, many of MISD Fine Arts staff members are regularly asked to adjudicate and serve as clinicians throughout the state and hold regional and state level leadership positions. 

McAllen ISD has been named by NAMM as one of “the Best Communities for Music Education in the US” every year since 2013.

Elementary

Elementary music instruction in grades K-5 is administered by a certified elementary music specialist at all campuses.  District standards are 20 minutes of music 2-3 times a week in Kindergarten, and 30 minutes of music 2-3 times per week in grades 1 through 5. 

Secondary

Beginning in 6th grade and continuing through 12th grade, students may choose band, choir, orchestra, theatre or visual arts as an elective.  High school students may also participate in mariachi and dance as well as other specialty groups and courses such as show choir, jazz band, technical theater, percussion ensemble, and music theory.  Advanced placement courses are currently offered in music theory and visual arts. 

***If you would like more information about the McAllen ISD Fine Arts Dept., please email the MISD Director of Fine Arts at debra.thomas@mcallenisd.net.