The arts are celebrated at City Schools year-round, but March is a special time to recognize National Music in Our Schools Month, Theatre in Our Schools Month, and Youth Art Month. From the soaring melodies of classroom ensembles to dramatic performances on school stages and the vibrant artwork created by our students, this month highlights the vital role the arts play in shaping young minds.
March also kicks off exciting districtwide arts events this spring, including:
Music Adjudications & Festivus Maximus Celebration – March 9–13 at Digital Harbor High School
Citywide Visual Arts Showcase – March 18–22 at the Baltimore Museum of Art, open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with Museum Family Day on March 21, from 1-4 p.m.
Reel Stories: 4th Annual Citywide Middle-High School Film Festival – Saturday, May 2
Fine Arts Month Gallery and Performance Celebrations – May 1–31 in the Joyce J. Scott Gallery Walk, featuring arts-designated schools.
These events showcase the creativity, talent, and hard work of our students, reinforcing the importance of arts education in every school.
National Music in Our Schools Month began in 1973 as a way to highlight the importance of music education in schools across the United States. Originally spearheaded by the Music Educators National Conference (now known as the National Association for Music Education), the initiative was created to advocate for music programs and demonstrate the benefits of music education on academic performance, personal growth, and cultural awareness. Over the years, schools have used this month to host concerts, assemblies, and special events that celebrate student musicians and highlight the role of music in learning.
Theatre in Our Schools Month is recognized annually to honor the educational value of theatre programs. Its origins trace back to efforts by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) to raise awareness of how theatre arts contribute to students’ creativity, communication skills, and self-confidence. The observance encourages schools to showcase student performances, workshops, and community theatre partnerships, emphasizing theatre’s role in teaching collaboration, critical thinking, and empathy.
Youth Art Month began in 1961, founded by art educators who wanted to celebrate and promote the visual arts for young people. Initially supported by the Art & Creative Materials Institute and the Council for Art Education, this month highlights the importance of art education in schools and communities. The celebration often involves student exhibitions, art competitions, and community projects to demonstrate how art fosters creativity, cultural understanding, and personal expression. Over time, it has become a nationwide effort to advocate for strong, comprehensive arts education.
Frederick Douglass High School has a long and meaningful connection to the arts as part of its broader history of education and community life. Established in 1883 as one of the earliest high schools for Black students in the country—it became a place where students were not only educated academically but also engaged in music and performance at a time when access to such opportunities was rare for African Americans. The school’s dedication to the arts was reflected in its classical music training and community performances, including operas and concerts, at a time when most cultural venues were segregated. This early focus helped inspire students and contributed to the development of notable artists such as jazz pianist Eubie Blake.