Our Academics & Programs

Our Magnet Program: Ignites passion and provides high quality instruction in instrumental and vocal music, dance, and the visual arts. Students demonstrate learning by understanding content areas and the world around them through practice, performance, and personal expression.

For more information about Longfellow Elementary School and our outstanding Fine Arts/Magnet program, campus tours are offered every Thursday at 9AM beginning October 10th - February 6th.

We look forward to meeting you!  

Longfellow choirs from 2nd – 5th grade learn to find their voices through proper phonation, vocal technique, respiration, clear diction and expression. Singers are taught how to perform together as an ensemble, but are also encouraged to explore and express their individual artistic voice. In addition to performing, choirs at Longfellow are taught music theory, sight reading, vocal choral literature, and music history.

Longfellow Band Program

Welcome to the Longfellow Elementary Band program, where young musicians will embark on an exciting journey of Discovery, Creativity & Musicianship! Being a member of our band is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It also is a great activity that builds teamwork, leadership and responsibility.

The adventure begins in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, where students are joyfully introduced to the wonderful world of music, rhythms, and instrument families. Through engaging activities, they'll develop a foundational love for sound and movement.

As students enter 2nd grade, families have the exciting opportunity to choose band as their main Arts Path, continuing their journey through 5th grade. Students will start with pre-band instruments, recorder & xylophone, learning the fundamentals of reading music.

In 3rd grade, our students proudly join the Beginner Band! This is a pivotal moment as they choose a band instrument to continue their study. Instruments include, but not limited to, any of our wind instruments (oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium & tuba) or the array of percussion instruments available. They'll learn not only how to play these instruments but also how to care for them with respect and responsibility.

For our 4th and 5th grade young musicians, the journey continues in Advanced Band! Here, students deepen their musical understanding, refine their technical skills, and truly shine. They'll have numerous opportunities to share their talents, performing regularly at school and community events. 5th grade band students will have the skills necessary to audition and participate for any middle school to further their musicianship.

A select number of 4th & 5th grade band students will be invited to participate in our Competition Band. Members of this band will compete at various competitions across the city. Participating students can look forward to showcasing their skills at events such as All-City Honor Band, Concert Band Festivals, and UIL Solo & Ensemble to name a few.

The Longfellow Band program is about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and creating unforgettable memories. We look forward to celebrating you along your band journey with fun engaging opportunities and Band Awards all year long. Join the Longfellow Band and you’ll discover the power and joy of making music. Be Part of the Band!

Mr. Wilmore

Director of Bands

Longfellow Elementary School

Longfellow Dance is about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and setting students up for success. Dancers focus on ballet to develop proper body alignment and technique. They connect to rhythm, movement and storytelling through Jazz Dance. In Modern Dance, Creative Movement, and Choreography students explore and find their own artistic voice. Children study World dance throughout the year to better understand others and build stronger communities. We prepare students with the skills to lead themselves toward success in life by focusing on participation, preparedness, technique, and self-reflection. We do this all while using the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to encourage personal growth and excellence.

Longfellow Orchestra has distinguished itself in the Houston musical community with its high-quality musicianship and full Orchestra parts-playing.  Beginning in 2nd-5th grade, Longfellow’s Orchestra is a full string orchestra, playing parts in harmony on violin, viola, cello, and double bass.  Mrs. Snow has directed the Orchestra program since 2005, and her groups consistently bring back 1st place, Superior ratings at area musical festivals every year--festivals geared towards older, more experienced middle and high school players.  Her students learn to read music and hold independent parts, and love to use their music to give back within our Houston community. 

Mrs. Snow spearheads the Black Heritage performance at the Houston Rodeo and community outreach concerts at Levy Park and Jones Hall, runs the district-wide HISD strings festival, coordinates the HISD Elementary All City Orchestra program, and personally makes sure her kids “Carol” in the Harris County Hospitals every year.

Under Mrs. Snow’s guidance, the Orchestra has flourished at Longfellow into a group of outstanding young musicians who are passionate about making music and making a difference in their community.

Longfellow’s visual art magnet strives to creatively combine all the best elements of STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math.)  We learn about reflection and refraction during our lesson on color mixing.  We practice our measurement during our lessons on lines and shapes.  We talk about famous artists but also what was going on during their lives.  And we build artistic things!  From robots to photography to messy masterpieces, it’s always busy in the art room.