Las Cruces Public Schools Fine Arts

08/25/2026

NMSU Bands All- State Prep Day!
September 5th 9am-11am.
FREE help with New Mexico All-State music from NMSU Applied Professors.
Register HERE:
https://marcomm.formstack.com/forms/all_state_prep_day

08/24/2026

08/22/2026

The Las Cruces Public Schools elementary art display is up and ready for the EXPO NM Home of the New Mexico State Fair! Be sure to visit the School Arts Building September 10-20! Many thanks to our art galley team for for preparing and installing the display and congratulations to our outstanding student artists!

08/21/2026

Every tradition has a beginning, and for the Royal Knight Regiment, it started with 97 students and a shared vision.

Featured in the 1989 Shield yearbook, the band’s first season included early-morning rehearsals, Monday night practices, competitions, fundraising and travel. The students even selected the name Royal Knight Regiment, helping establish the pride, identity and sense of family that would carry forward for generations.

Under the inaugural direction of John Fannin, the program grew from fewer than 100 students into one of the region’s strongest and most respected music programs. Decades later, its success remains grounded in the dedication, enthusiasm and traditions established by that original group.

This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.

Las Cruces Public Schools &Now

08/19/2026

Congratulations to our Las Cruces Public Schools Elementary School Visual Arts Exhibit award winners! Students were recognized at tonight’s school board meeting and were presented a $25 cash prize donated by Mr. Greg Groves owner of Picture Frame Factory Outlet.

2D Award
“Dancing Pears” by Aria Allen – Monte Vista ES
Diane Carter-John, Visual Arts teacher

3D Award
“Lighthouse Mixed-Media Vignette” by Antonella Mora – Mesilla Park ES
Mary Long, Visual Arts teacher

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Lynn Middle School Jazz Lab, and their director Dr. Paul McLaughlin for their outstanding performance at tonight’s school Las Cruces Public Schools board meeting. The students learned by ear and played by memory “Do Whatcha Wanna” by the Rebirth Brass Band of New Orleans, arranged by 1st Sergeant Chris Campbell of the 44th Army Band.

08/16/2026

A new school year brings new ideas, new inspiration, and a new chance to share your art!

The "Annual All-City High School Art Show" is back at the Las Cruces Museums, and we're inviting high school juniors and seniors from across Las Cruces to apply beginning Friday, August 21.

This juried exhibition gives selected students the opportunity to showcase their artwork in a professional museum setting at the Branigan Cultural Center. Artwork will be on display for two months, giving artists the chance to share their creativity with hundreds of visitors from the local community and beyond.

Students may submit up to five original works in any medium, including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, digital art, mixed media, and more.

Learn more and apply beginning Friday, August 21, at LasCruces.gov/HSAS.

For additional information contact Analisa Torres, Curator (Exhibits), at [email protected] or (575) 541-2159/TTY 711.

08/13/2026

🌟Thrive Thursday Spotlight🌟

Every school has people who help set the tone for a positive, welcoming place to learn — and at Conlee Community Elementary, Music Teacher Bailey McLellan is doing just that!
Ms. McLellan is an incredible asset to the Conlee family. Known for her kindness, compassion, and willingness to lend a hand, she brings her talents far beyond the music classroom. Whether she is inspiring students through music or volunteering her time to support school events, Bailey helps create an environment where students feel valued, confident, and excited to learn.
For Bailey, some of the most meaningful moments happen when she sees a student discover what they are capable of:
"My favorite thing about my job is watching students grow individually through music. I love experiencing those moments that help students feel confident and seeing them light up when they perform. It's also rewarding to see how each student learns differently and how music enhances that ability. I also really love my team; they make coming to school worth it even on the hard days."
Bailey, thank you for helping Conlee students find their confidence, discover their talents, and maybe even find their own rhythm along the way. You don't just teach the notes, you help students find their voice. And that is music to our ears!

08/07/2026

Flashback Friday takes us back to the 1982 Las Cruces High School yearbook and the award-winning Showcase band.

With 165 musicians, the band filled the field, concert stage and community with music. Under the direction of Edward White, with assistance from Frank Rivera and John Schutz, Showcase earned honors at competitions across New Mexico and placed fifth at the Fiesta Bowl. Band members began and ended their days with music, and according to the yearbook, some even dreamed about band.

This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.

07/27/2026

Attention all Las Cruces Public Schools 6th grade (first year) middle school band students and parent/guardians: You are cordially invited to attend our district Band Expo Night, Tuesday July 28 - 6:00pm at Sierra MS. Hear the instruments, try them out, and get started!