Robbinsdale Area Schools
Middle School

Fine Arts

Fine Arts consists of five disciplines: Dance, Media Art, Music, Visual Arts, and Theater. We believe that an education rich in the arts is absolutely integral to the development of a well-rounded person, and understand the positive effects that arts education brings to student learning.

Middle school students may choose from among band, orchestra and choir for their music education and may also participate in visual and media arts courses. Students may also participate in co-curricular music, theater, dance and art activities available at the building level.

Learn more about the state standards for Fine Arts at the Minnesota Department of Education's website.
 

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.

All-District Band

Middle school students have the opportunity to audition for All-District Band. Rehearsals take place weekly during the school year, after school at one of our middle schools. Traditionally, All-District Band performs a fall concert, a December holiday concert at the Mall of America Rotunda, a spring tour to a high school and Bethel University and a spring Showcase concert with other music ensembles.

Auditions are typically held in spring.

 

All-District Orchestra

For students who wish to participate in a more challenging orchestra experience, All-District Orchestra is available by audition to 6th grade students within the district. Students have been participating in All-District Orchestra for more than 35 years.  Rehearsals take place after school at one of our middle schools.

Honors Orchestra

Students in 7th and 8th grade have the opportunity to audition for Honors Orchestra. Rehearsals take place after school at one of our high schools. The ensemble rehearses all school year. Performances include a winter concert with the All-District Orchestra, a spring concert, a middle school tour and a recording session. Auditions take place in spring and students receive notification the last two weeks of school

Honors Orchestra started in the district in 1997 as a strings-only orchestra. In 2004, it became a full orchestra which means it includes string instruments, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments.

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!