The arts are alive and thriving in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, where students across the district explore music, visual arts, dance, theater and digital media. With a comprehensive fine arts program available in nearly every school, students of all ages and abilities have opportunities to discover their talents, express themselves and connect their learning to the world around them.
For Administrative Director of Fine Arts Dr. Sean Joffrion, the work is both professional and deeply personal. After nearly 30 years serving as a teacher, administrator and district leader, he has witnessed how consistent access to the arts strengthens student confidence and supports academic growth. A central goal of the district’s program is inclusivity, ensuring that every child, regardless of skill level or interest, has a place to grow creatively.
The district’s offerings span vocal and instrumental music, dance, drama, visual arts and TV, film, and media arts. Visual arts courses range from drawing and painting to sculpture, photography, and digital design. More than 225 art teachers deliver instruction across over 125 specialized courses, allowing students to develop their skills from elementary through high school.
Districtwide events provide meaningful opportunities for students to perform and collaborate. The annual Gospel Choir, held each February in recognition of Black History Month, welcomes participants from across the parish, regardless of prior musical experience. Audition-based Honor Band, Honor Symphony and Honor Choir programs bring together advanced student musicians, while March’s Arts in Schools Month showcases student achievement on every campus and invites families to see creativity in action.
District leadership emphasizes that the arts are essential to a well-rounded education. Through participation in music, visual arts, theater, and dance, students build creativity, discipline, communication skills, and confidence that support success in the classroom and beyond.
With strong leadership and a continued commitment to access, East Baton Rouge Parish Schools ensure the arts remain a vibrant and vital part of every child’s education.