Visual and Performing Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts Department oversees the visual art, music, theatre, and dance programs of Marion County Public Schools. The Fine Arts are an essential part off the K-12 academic curriculum and a critical component of every child's education. The Fine Arts are academic subjects that also promote social and emotional development and civic engagement. The arts serve as a creative outlet that connects students to a larger world.  

Music, visual arts, theatre, and dance each contribute a great deal to the development of a variety of skills by students. There is a direct correlation between the arts and cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skills. With their strong emphasis on team building and self-reflection, the arts ignite students' interest in learning through collaboration, while fostering creativity and communication. 

Every elementary and secondary school in Marion County has a full time art and music educator. Our secondary schools also offer a variety of other performing arts courses. We currently have two arts magnet schools: Madison Street Academy (K-5) and West Port High School MCCA Program (9-12). 

 

William Bennet, Former U.S. Secretary of Education

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to our 2025 MCPS All-State Students! These students will attend the FMEA All-State Conference in January held at the Tampa Convention Center. We are so proud of these amazing musicians! 

  • Marcela Secillano, Dr. NH Jones, All-State Orff Ensemble
  • Mackenzie Vickers, Dr. NH Jones, All-State Orff Ensemble
  • Jackson Rodabaugh, Belleview MS, French Horn, Middle School Honor Band
  • Sydney McFarland, Howard MS, Oboe, Middle School All-State Band
  • Elias Javelona, Howard MS, Tenor, Middle School Mixed Chorus
  • Aubrey DeVilling, Howard MS, Soprano, Middle School Mixed Chorus
  • Erin Chen, Howard MS, Treble 2, Middle School Treble Chorus
  • Seanna Reser, Belleview HS, Trumpet, High School Honor Band
  • Vincent Figueroa, Belleview HS, Tenor 2, High School Concert Chorus
  • Chelbie MacDonald, Belleview HS, Alto 1, Senior High SSAA Chorus
  • Delyla Bales, Belleview HS, Soprano 1, Senior High SSAA Chorus
  • Aaron Lowe, Forest HS, Bass 2, High School Concert Chorus
  • Kirsten Clauss, Forest HS, Soprano 2, High School SSAA Chorus
  • Isabel Atkins, North Marion HS, Flute, High School Honor Band
  • Ahriana White-Clay, West Port HS, Alto 2, High School SSAA Chorus
  • Isaac Jovel, West Port HS, Bass 2, High School Mixed Chorus
  • Emmanuel Camacho-Sanchez, West Port HS, Baritone, High School Reading Chorus