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The fine and performing arts programs at Dracut Public Schools are designed to inspire, encourage, and support each student's developing relationship with music, art, and theatre. We strive to provide varied opportunities at all grade levels that allow students to explore the world around them through the arts with the mission of developing life-long participants in, and consumers of, music, visual art, dance, and theatre.

Dracut's choral and instrumental programs are highly regarded as among the finest in the region. All of our music curriculum and ensembles are taught by well-qualified, music-certified specialists.

Students in grades K-5 participate in weekly music classes that focus on development of core music principles through singing, playing instruments, dancing, and listening. As students advance in grade level, they begin learning additional ways to understand music concepts, history, and culture through performance, improvisation, reading, and notation.

• Before or After-School Chorus (starts in grade 3)
• String Program (starts in grade 4)
• Concert Band (starts in grade 5)

All ensembles offer lesson and/or performance opportunities throughout the year.

Students' music education continues through grades 6-8 with in-school general music classes as well as a variety of music ensembles and after-school activities, such as Concert and Jazz band, String Orchestra, Chorus, and the Spring musical. These ensembles rehearse regularly and participate in several concerts and performances throughout the year.

Starting in high school, students have the opportunity to choose music electives as part of their curriculum with courses such as Music Technology, Music Theory, and Music Appreciation. Additional music performance opportunities are also made available through Marching, Jazz, and Concert Band, String Orchestra and Chamber ensembles, Chorus, Select Chorus, Show Choir, Acapella, and the high school Spring musical.

On a biennial basis, the Marching Band, Show Choir, Select Chorus, and String Orchestra travel to Disney World or New York City to participate in music festivals and competitions - consistently scoring silver and gold medal ratings. All high school ensembles perform frequently throughout the year at school concerts or local and state events and competitions.

Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to audition for participation in the MMEA (Massachusetts Music Educators' Association) Northeast District Junior and Senior Music Festivals. Senior high school students are also eligible to participate in the All-State Music Festival if successfully recommended at their District auditions.

At Dracut Public Schools we take great pride in the accomplishments of our art students. Our art teachers are highly skilled artists certified in art education. Their skill and creativity have inspired many of our art students to major in art in college and proceed to enjoy outstanding careers in the art field.

At the elementary level, students in Kindergarten through grade 5 receive art instruction once every week with a certified art teacher. This is the first formal instruction to art for most elementary age students. Our students experience a variety of wet and dry media through art elements-based tasks while building confidence, art vocabulary, and fine motor skills.

At the Richardson Middle School, students receive instruction daily for one quarter semester a year. Students explore different art media and demonstrate their skill through creative projects in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, pottery, and sculpture.

At the high school, students are offered various levels of art classes from Introductory to Advanced as well as several elective courses in studio art and ceramics.

Dracut students have received much recognition for their work over the years and participate in various artistic events, such as the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, Fire Safety Prevention Poster Contest, and the Marble Collection's Massachusetts High School Magazine of the Arts.

Students at the middle and high school level are offered a variety of opportunities to participate in the dramatic and technical arts throughout the year with a rapidly growing theatre arts program.

Students in grades 6-8 are able to join two productions during the school year. In the Fall, the middle school produces a fully staged non-musical production while in the Spring the school produces a fully staged Broadway-style musical. Students can either audition for a role in the cast or can sign up for the stage / tech crew where they will learn about and assist with the technical aspects of the show, such as lighting, sound, costumes, and props.

The Richardson Middle School is also a proud member of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, which offers outside opportunities for the students to participate in competitions, festivals, and workshops.

High school students are also able to join two productions during the school year - a fully staged non-musical production in the Fall and the Spring musical. Students can either audition for a role in the cast or sign up for stage / tech crew where they will assist with costumes, props, set construction, lighting, and sound. They will also be advised in the tech booth using state-of-the-art theatre technology in the newly renovated Performing Arts Center.

Aug 2024 | DTArts Annual Summer Intensive

May 2024 | The Fine and Performing Arts Department had quite a talented week with the Orchestra's annual Italian Feast, the Tri-M Talent Show, and the theatre art's Musical Theatre Showcase!

Apr. 2023 | The high school music ensembles took to the big city for the annual NYC trip! No shortage of fun was to be found - even from the Directors themselves!

Mar. 2023 | The Richardson Middle School String Orchestra and Band during a great trip to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra!

5th-8th grade orchestra students attended the March Strings Festival in Billerica! Students rehearsed in groups with students from other towns, were able to hear a professional performance, and participated in an art contest. Dracut students took the top 3 spots in an anonymously judged competition. Congratulations to first place winner Isadora Whorms from EES, 2nd place co-winners Isadora and Riley Camerlengo from EES, and 3rd place Kylie Nolan from GES!

Another congratulations to Lucas Sar from EES who won a great quality full-sized violin!

Dec. 2022 | Thank you to the Dracut High School Show Choir for treating the town to some amazing caroling this holiday season!

Oct. 2022 | Congratulations to our Middle and High School String Orchestra ensembles on a successfully spooky and musically enchanting 2nd Annual Halloween Concert!