Fine Arts
Welcome to Lockhart ISD Fine Arts
At Lockhart ISD Fine Arts, we believe the arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education. From a student's first experiences in elementary Art and Music to advanced opportunities in our secondary programs, Fine Arts provides students with opportunities to create, perform, collaborate, and discover their unique talents. Below, you can explore the wide range of Fine Arts programs and opportunities available to Lockhart ISD students.
Why Fine Arts?
Participation in the arts helps students develop skills, values, and personal strengths that extend far beyond the classroom and prepare them for success throughout their lives.
- Confidence & Self-Discipline: Creativity, self-expression, practice, and artistic achievement help students build confidence, self-worth, and personal responsibility.
- Connection & Belonging: Collaborative artistic experiences encourage teamwork, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of belonging.
- Work Ethic & Perseverance: The challenges of creating, rehearsing, performing, and refining artistic work teach students the value of preparation, persistence, and continuous improvement.
- Creativity & Problem-Solving: Fine Arts challenges students to think creatively, make decisions, solve problems, and approach the world from new perspectives.
Lockhart ISD Fine Arts strives for excellence in performance, creativity, and artistic expression while educating the whole child and enriching the lives of every student we serve.
James P. Crowley
Director of Fine Arts
james.crowley@lockhart.txed.net
512-398-0427
Upcoming Fine Arts Events
Elementary Fine Arts
Lockhart ISD believes that a strong Fine Arts education begins with meaningful artistic experiences at an early age. Our Elementary Fine Arts program provides students in grades K–5 with consistent opportunities to create, perform, explore, and express themselves while developing skills that support learning across all areas of their education. Each elementary campus has dedicated Art and Music teachers, ensuring that students receive regular, high-quality Fine Arts instruction as part of their school experience. Through a TEKS-aligned curriculum, students build foundational skills in Art and Music while developing creativity, confidence, collaboration, problem-solving, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and forms of artistic expression. Learning extends beyond the classroom through performances, exhibitions, enrichment activities, and special Fine Arts experiences that give students opportunities to share their talents with their schools, families, and community. These early experiences provide a foundation for continued participation in Lockhart ISD's extensive secondary Fine Arts programs while fostering creativity, curiosity, self-expression, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Elementary Art
In the Lockhart ISD Elementary Visual Art program, students develop foundational artistic skills through hands-on experiences focused on creating, collaborating, observing, and responding to art. During their weekly art classes, students explore a variety of artistic processes, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Through exploration of the elements and principles of art, students work with a wide range of materials and techniques while strengthening fine motor skills, creative problem-solving, and artistic decision-making. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and use visual art as a meaningful form of expression and communication. Learning extends beyond the art classroom through opportunities to display and celebrate student artwork throughout Lockhart ISD and the greater community, allowing students to take pride in their creativity and share their artistic accomplishments with others. For more information, please contact Elementary Art Coordinator Ms. Liza McCarthy.
Elementary Music
In the Lockhart ISD Elementary Music program, students engage in a TEKS-aligned curriculum designed to build a strong musical foundation through sequential skill development. Students learn to sing, play instruments, read and write music, and express themselves through movement while developing the skills and understanding needed for continued success in the Fine Arts. Through a variety of musical experiences, students explore diverse styles, traditions, and historical periods while discovering connections between music, culture, history, and the world around them. Our goal is to foster a lifelong love and appreciation of music by providing joyful, meaningful experiences grounded in essential musical skills. Students develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, and musical understanding that prepare them for future Fine Arts opportunities and learning beyond the music classroom. Students also have access to annual enrichment and performance opportunities, including the Lockhart ISD Elementary Honor Choir. For more information, please contact Elementary Music Coordinator Mr. Jessie Galvan.
Clear Fork Elementary Fine Arts Academy
Building on Clear Fork Elementary’s strong Theatre program, the Clear Fork Elementary Fine Arts Academy launched as a pilot program in Fall 2026 for students in grades 3–5. The Fine Arts Academy will expand opportunities for students to explore music, visual art, dance, and theatre through engaging learning experiences centered on creativity, expression, collaboration, and artistic growth. Program highlights include:
- Theatre added to the campus specials rotation.
- Dance instruction incorporated into the PE curriculum.
- Fine Arts-focused field trips, workshops, experiences, and guest artists that connect students with the arts beyond the classroom.
- Cross-curricular collaboration between classroom and Fine Arts teachers, creating meaningful connections between academic learning and artistic expression.
Through the Fine Arts Academy, Clear Fork Elementary is creating new opportunities for students to discover their talents, develop their creativity, and feel seen, valued, and inspired through the arts.
Secondary Fine Arts
Lockhart ISD offers a diverse range of Fine Arts programs for students in grades 6–12, providing opportunities for students to discover new interests, develop their talents, and pursue advanced artistic study. Beginning and experienced students alike can find a place to create, perform, collaborate, and grow through Fine Arts. Programs are offered at Lockhart Junior High School and Lockhart High School, with opportunities that extend from introductory courses to advanced study, competitive events, leadership experiences, and performances throughout the district and community. Secondary Fine Arts offerings include Applied Music, AP Music Theory, Art, Band, Choir, Color Guard, Dance, Guitar, Mariachi, Orchestra, Piano, and Theatre Arts.
Art
The Lockhart ISD secondary Art program provides students with opportunities to develop their creativity, artistic voice, technical skills, and understanding of visual communication. Lockhart Junior High School offers Art courses for grades 6–8, including opportunities for students to begin high school-level coursework. At Lockhart High School, students can pursue courses in areas such as drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture, progressing to advanced coursework including AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP 3-D Art and Design. Students also have opportunities to showcase and compete with their artwork through the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), where Lockhart ISD artists have a history of earning superior ratings and recognition at the state level.
Band
The Roaring Lion Band, offered in grades 6–12, provides students with comprehensive instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Multiple levels of concert band are offered at both Lockhart Junior High School and Lockhart High School, providing opportunities for musicians at different stages of their development. At the high school level, band students participate in the Roaring Lion Marching Band, with additional opportunities including Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Solo & Ensemble, and other individual and small-group performances. With a proud tradition of achievement, the Roaring Lion Band strives for excellence through participation in UIL and TMEA events and performances throughout the district and community.
Choir
The Lockhart ISD Choir program provides students with opportunities to develop their voices, musicianship, confidence, and interpersonal skills through the pursuit of musical excellence. At Lockhart Junior High School, multiple ensembles provide students with experiences appropriate to their voice type and level of musical development. Students perform in concerts and community events while participating in UIL and TMEA competitions and auditions. At Lockhart High School, singers of varying experience levels can continue developing through multiple ensembles and performance opportunities. Students participate in concerts, district and community performances, UIL events, the TMEA All-State Choir audition process, and other adjudicated festivals. The award-winning chamber ensemble Vox Lux provides an additional opportunity for advanced singers to pursue excellence and represent Lockhart ISD throughout the community.
Color Guard
The Lockhart ISD Color Guard program, offered at both Lockhart Junior High School and Lockhart High School, combines dance, movement, equipment technique, performance, and visual artistry to create a unique Fine Arts experience. Students develop skills using equipment such as flags, rifles, and sabres while building strength in dance technique, coordination, musicality, teamwork, and performance. At the high school level, Color Guard is an integral part of the Roaring Lion Marching Band, bringing music to life visually through choreography and movement. Students also have opportunities to participate in indoor and competitive Color Guard, allowing performers to further develop their skills through adjudicated performances. The program provides students with opportunities to build confidence, discipline, leadership, and strong connections with their teammates while representing Lockhart ISD in performances and competitions.
Dance
Offered in grades 6–12, the Lockhart ISD Dance program provides students with opportunities to develop technique, artistry, confidence, and performance skills. At Lockhart Junior High School, Beginning and Intermediate Dance courses introduce students to a variety of styles, including classical, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance. At Lockhart High School, students can continue their development through multiple levels of dance instruction as well as varsity and non-varsity dance and drill team opportunities. Students showcase their skills through concerts, competitions, athletic events, and performances throughout the community.
Guitar
The Lockhart ISD Guitar program provides students with an opportunity to develop instrumental skills and musicianship through the study of guitar. Designed to support students with varying levels of musical experience, guitar courses introduce and develop essential skills including instrument technique, music reading, chords, scales, ensemble playing, and performance. Through individual and group instruction, students build confidence and musical independence while exploring a variety of musical styles and traditions. Guitar provides an accessible pathway for students to begin or continue their musical education while developing skills that can support a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Mariachi
The Lockhart ISD Mariachi program provides high school students with an opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich musical traditions of mariachi. Students may participate as vocalists or learn instruments including trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón. Through rehearsal and performance, students develop instrumental and vocal skills while studying traditional mariachi repertoire, performance practices, and cultural traditions. The program provides opportunities for students to perform throughout the district and community while building musicianship, confidence, and cultural connection.
Orchestra
Offered at Lockhart Junior High School and Lockhart High School, the Lockhart ISD Orchestra program gives students the opportunity to learn violin, viola, cello, or string bass while developing musicianship, collaboration, and performance skills. Orchestra students perform at concerts, district events, and community events throughout the year. Students also have opportunities to participate in UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation, UIL Solo & Ensemble, and the TMEA All-State audition process. Through individual and ensemble performance, students build the skills, confidence, and discipline necessary for continued musical success.
Piano
The Lockhart High School Piano program offers four sequential course levels designed to serve students with a wide range of musical backgrounds. From students playing piano for the first time to experienced musicians seeking advanced study, each course provides opportunities to develop keyboard technique, music literacy, musicianship, and performance skills. Students learn in a 20-instrument digital piano lab and perform in recitals throughout the school year. Advanced pianists may also participate in UIL Solo & Ensemble, providing additional opportunities to challenge themselves and demonstrate their musical growth.
Theatre Arts
The Lockhart ISD Theatre Arts program offers students in grades 6–12 opportunities to explore both performance and technical aspects of theatre. Course offerings range from introductory theatre to advanced production and Technical Theatre. Students interested in performing develop skills in acting, characterization, movement, and stagecraft through numerous production opportunities. Students who prefer working behind the scenes can explore set design and construction, lighting, sound, and other areas of technical production. Lockhart ISD Theatre students also participate in UIL One-Act Play and other competitive and adjudicated events, building on a tradition of outstanding achievement at both the junior high and high school levels.
Applied Performance
Applied Music courses provide advanced vocal and instrumental students with focused opportunities to strengthen individual performance and technical skills. Through concentrated study on their instrument or voice, students refine tone quality, technique, musicianship, interpretation, and performance skills. Applied Music supports students seeking continued advancement in upper-level high school ensembles and helps prepare those interested in pursuing music at the collegiate level and beyond.
AP Music Theory
AP Music Theory provides advanced Lockhart High School music students with an in-depth study of the elements and structures of music while preparing them for the College Board AP Music Theory Exam. Students develop analytical, compositional, and aural skills through the study of intervals, scales, key signatures, harmony, chord structures, rhythmic and melodic dictation, sight-singing, and musical analysis. Students also explore principles of Common Practice harmony and four-part writing.
The course is designed to strengthen the skills students need for advanced musical study while providing the opportunity to earn college credit through the AP Music Theory Exam.
Homeschooled Student Participation in UIL Activities
Texas House Bill 547 allows school districts to permit eligible homeschooled students who reside within district boundaries to participate in UIL activities offered by the district.
Lockhart ISD provides eligible homeschooled students the opportunity to participate in designated UIL athletics and Fine Arts activities, provided all district and UIL eligibility and participation requirements are met.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Academic Eligibility
To be eligible for participation, homeschooled students must:
- Provide proof of residency within Lockhart ISD boundaries.
- Demonstrate grade-level academic proficiency through a nationally recognized, norm-referenced assessment, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, California Achievement Test, or Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills.
- Submit assessment results that have been administered and reported by a third party. Results must be current from the previous school year and should be submitted no later than the end of the first six-weeks grading period of the year in which the student will participate.
- Maintain academic eligibility throughout participation. In accordance with the Lockhart ISD grading calendar, the student's family must periodically provide written verification that the student is receiving a passing grade in each course or subject.
Participation Requirements
Homeschooled students participating in eligible UIL activities must:
- Declare their intent to participate in a sport, event, or activity prior to August 1.
- Participate in all required components of the activity unless otherwise approved by the appropriate coach, director, or UIL sponsor. This includes required in-season and off-season practices, workouts, rehearsals, meetings, and applicable class-period activities.
- Follow the Lockhart ISD Student Code of Conduct and all applicable district and UIL rules and expectations.
- Use district-provided transportation when traveling to games, competitions, performances, or other events when required by the district.
Restrictions
- A homeschooled student may not participate in a sport, event, or activity for the remainder of a school year in which the student was previously enrolled in Lockhart ISD or another public school district.
- A homeschooled student may not participate in more than one athletic period during the school day, consistent with UIL requirements for enrolled students.
Eligible Activities
Eligible UIL activities currently include:
- Band
- Choir
- Mariachi
- Orchestra
- Theatre
Participation is subject to applicable Lockhart ISD and UIL eligibility requirements, program expectations, schedules, and availability. Families interested in participation should complete the online application to begin the eligibility review process.