Overview
The Frederick County Public School’s Visual and Performing Arts department is committed to nurturing the whole child through a rigorous, standards based curriculum delivered by first class educators. Our teachers are dedicated to challenging students to find real world connections and remain life-long participants in the Arts. Through a differentiated and creative approach to instruction infused with technology, each teacher and student has access to an Arts education which fosters artistic literacy, creativity, and self-expression. Our teachers demonstrate a standard of excellence through professional growth, artistic passion, and a spirit of embracing innovation and change.
All FCPS fine arts courses are based on the National Core Arts and Maryland Fine Arts Standards. These standards incorporate four key artistic processes:
- Create
- Perform/Present/Produce
- Respond
- Connect
All students receive two periods of general music and visual arts instruction per week. Students in grades four and five across all elementary schools have the opportunity to enroll in the instrumental music program.
Art
Elementary students explore and create two-dimensional and three-dimensional art using a diverse range of media.
General Music
In addition to participating in general music lessons, students can also join their school's chorus. Fifth-grade students are eligible to audition for the annual FCPS Elementary Honors Chorus.
Instrumental Music
All fourth- and fifth-grade students are eligible to participate in either the band or orchestra at their elementary school. Instrumental lessons are provided once a week during the school day.
smARTS Series
The annual smARTS series, held at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, is an optional program that offers elementary school students the unique opportunity to attend a live musical or theater production.
Essential Curriculum
Visual and Performing Arts Events
The Visual and Performing Arts office coordinates the following county-wide programs as an extension of our school curricula.
Fall 2025
All-County Marching Band Showcase - October 6, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
Winter 2026
High School All-County Music Festival (Band, Choir, and Orchestra) - January 31, 4:00 PM at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
Middle School All-County Music Festival (Band, Choir, and Orchestra) - February 7, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
High School All-County Jazz Festival - February 27, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM at Frederick Community College.
Spring 2026
Youth Art Month Exhibit - The official exhibit opens on March 7 at 9:00 AM at The Delaplaine Arts Center. The exhibition runs from March 7 to March 29.
FCPS Elementary VPA Honors Chorus - Fifth-grade students selected from auditions will perform a public concert on April 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at The Weinberg Center.
High School All-County Dance Festival - April 29, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
Additionally, you can find Frederick County student artwork featured annually in the following exciting exhibition spaces: Maryland First Lady’s Gallery, Maryland’s Treasury Exhibit, Baltimore Street Gallery, Maryland State Arts Council, and the MSDE HQ’s Board Room.
Questions or need assistance? Contact the Visual and Performing Arts Office at 240-586-7759.