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Four performers engage in a dynamic and expressive dance routine on a stage.

 

Welcome to SDOC Arts!

We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to explore, create, and thrive through the arts. Whether through music, dance, theatre, or visual art, our programs cultivate creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence—skills that empower students to succeed both in school and in life.

Rooted in academic excellence and equity, our mission is to ensure all students have access to meaningful, high-quality arts education. The arts not only enrich the soul—they ignite curiosity, build resilience, and unlock student potential. We are proud to support over 75,000 K–12 students across our schools as they discover their voices and shape the future through artistic expression.

Questions? Email us at SDOCarts@osceolaschools.net.

Mission

The mission for the Fine & Performing Arts Department (SDOC Arts) is to cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant arts education environment at every school that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among students, preparing them for lifelong engagement with the arts.

Vision

SDOC Arts will be recognized as a leader in arts education, fostering innovative teaching, leading, and learning experiences that empower students and enrich the community.

Meet the SDOC Arts Team

  • Email Dr. Burns at christopher.burns@osceolaschools.net. 

    Christopher Burns is currently the Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist in Osceola County, Florida. He received his B.M.E. from the University of Central Florida and his M.M.E. from Boston University and holds a PhD in Music Education from the University of South Florida with interests in New Media and Modern Band integration as well as Learner-Centered Education.

    Christopher has taught Arts Integration and been an adjunct for Elementary Music Methods at UCF as well as presented workshops in several states around the country. His passion for arts education and integration can be seen in these presentations as well as in his work with students during summer musical theatre camps and his "Osceola Rocks!" modern band classes. Before moving into his current position, Chris taught over 12 years in the elementary music classroom where his students were selected to perform at various events and locations including Disney World and many sporting events.

  • Email Dr. D at joseph.dambrosi@osceolaschools.net

     

    Dr. Joseph D’Ambrosi (or, “Dr. D”) is an award-winning educator, arts leader, and theatre artist-scholar dedicated to expanding access to high-quality arts education. He serves as the Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist for the School District of Osceola County, where he supports more than 190 teachers and 75,000 K-12 students across 65+ schools. In this role, he works to ensure that all students—regardless of background—can engage in enriching, equitable arts experiences.

    In addition to his district leadership, Dr. D’Ambrosi teaches regularly at the graduate, undergraduate, and secondary levels, including as a Graduate Faculty Scholar at the University of Central Florida. He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre and Drama from Indiana University, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, an M.A. in Theatre Studies from UCF, and a B.A. in Theatre from Messiah University.

    As a scholar, his work has been published in Ecumenica, Theatre Survey, Theatre History Studies, and Performance and the Disney Theme Park Experience. As a performer, Dr. D’Ambrosi remains active in the Central Florida theatre community. Recent roles include Max in The Sound of Music and Mr. Bumble in Oliver! at Theatre at St. Luke’s, and Georg in Spring Awakening at New Generation Theatrical.

    He serves on the boards of the Florida Association for Theatre Education (FATE) and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education (FAAE), and is a proud member of Leadership Florida. Recognized as one of the Osceola County Chamber of Commerce’s “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” Dr. D’Ambrosi is also the recipient of FATE’s 2023 Outstanding Administrator Award and FAAE’s 2024 District Leadership Award.

    He is an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando, where he serves on the Church Council, leads worship, and performs in the theatre ministry. He lives in Winter Garden, Florida with his husband, Harris, and their cat-daughter, Horatio.

  • Email Mrs. Lowe at ashley.lowe@osceolaschools.net.

    Ashley Lowe is the newest member of the Fine and Performing Arts Resource Team in the School District of Osceola County. An award-winning educator and dynamic educational leader, Mrs. Lowe brings over a decade of experience and a passionate commitment to student achievement, teacher development, and the transformative power of arts education.

    Throughout her career in Osceola County, Mrs. Lowe has taught a wide range of subjects including elementary music, 7th grade language arts, and both elementary and middle school visual arts. She has also served as a Dean of Discipline at the elementary and middle school levels, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape. As a former District Elementary Art PLC lead and member of various administrative leadership teams, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to excellence in both teaching and leadership.

    Now serving as a Visual Arts Resource Specialist, Mrs. Lowe supports art educators across the district through coaching, curriculum development, and high-impact professional learning. She fosters creativity, sets high expectations for all learners, and builds meaningful partnerships with community and business leaders—all in strong advocacy for arts integration and education.

    Mrs. Lowe holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Stetson University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Johnson University. Her diverse background enables her to view education through a wide lens, recognizing the central role of the arts in a holistic educational experience.

    Deeply invested in her community, Mrs. Lowe lives and serves in East Osceola County. She is actively involved in her church's worship and children’s ministries and volunteers with A Place for Grace Ministry in St. Cloud, FL. A talented visual artist, she has contributed murals and artwork to various local churches and continues to use her art to uplift and inspire those around her.

    Ashley resides in East Osceola with her husband, Steven, and their two young children. A lifelong artist at heart, she believes in the power of the arts to bring joy, build community, and create lasting impact in education and beyond.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Whether it’s celebrating students’ artistic achievements, sharing resources for parents, or providing essential updates and info for events, our social media channels are a great way to stay informed. Follow us @SDOCarts now and never miss what’s happening in the arts here in Osceola County!

Upcoming SDOC Arts Events

No events found at this time

Thank You, Community Partners! 

Our vibrant arts programs are made stronger through the support of exceptional community partners who share our belief in the power of arts education. These organizations  play a vital role in expanding access, deepening learning, and inspiring creativity across our schools.

These partnerships provide our students with world-class performance experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Together, we are building a thriving arts ecosystem where every student can grow, express themselves, and achieve their full potential through the arts.

Thank You, Local Partners! 

Local partnerships are at the heart of arts education in Osceola County. Countless local businesses, non-profits, and organizations help us ensure that the arts remain a vibrant, accessible, and impactful part of our students’ lives.

Through sponsorships, volunteerism, and community engagement, these partners help bridge the gap between school and the wider world—demonstrating to students that their creativity matters and that their community is invested in their success. Together, we’re creating opportunities that uplift students, strengthen neighborhoods, and celebrate the unique cultural identity of Osceola County.

 

Interested in supporting the arts in SDOC? Send us an email at SDOCarts@osceolaschools.net.

SDOC Arts in the Media 

  • BLOG: "Celebrating Arts in Our Schools Month" by Dr. Joseph D'Amrbrosi

    March is celebrated as Arts in Our Schools Month in Osceola County, showcasing the impact of art education on students' growth. The School District of Osceola County offers diverse arts programs, including music, visual arts, dance, and theatre, with students achieving national recognition and participating in prestigious events.

  • PODCAST: Arts Education Discussion with Dr. Shanoff

    March is National Arts in Our Schools Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the vital role that arts education plays in our students' development. On this episode, Dr. Shanoff is joined by our district's Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialists Dr. Chris Burns and Dr. Joseph D’Ambrosi to discuss the benefits of arts in education.

  • VIDEO: All-County Theatre Production: ANNIE Promo

    The School District of Osceola County proudly presents its All-County Theatre Production of "Annie." This annual event showcases the incredible talents of students from grades 6-12 across the county. The promo video highlights the dedication and hard work of these young performers as they bring the beloved musical to life.

  • PODCAST: Profiles in Teaching with Technology with Dr. Jim Frankel

    Our latest episode of our podcast is out, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Burns, Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist in Osceola County, FL. Tune in to hear how emerging tech like AI and digital collaboration tools are transforming arts instruction and empowering both students and educators.