Visual & Performing Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Course Descriptions 

As the oldest public school west of the Mississippi, Lowell has a rich history and a national reputation for its academic and arts programs. Lowell’s Visual and Performing Arts department assures that every student has the opportunity to engage in a sequential standards-based arts education. The SFUSD high school graduation requirement for VAPA is only one year, yet Lowell students have the opportunity to enroll in arts courses all four years.

Through a comprehensive program of courses in the visual and performing arts, as well as multiple extracurricular opportunities, Lowell inspires and supports students in becoming joyful and disciplined young artists and lifelong arts appreciators. All Lowell VAPA courses are approved for UC/CSU a-g and high school elective credit.

**************Visual Arts Programs **************

Visual Arts

In the visual arts we study how artists get their ideas and how they develop them.

Course Offerings: 

• Art 1 - An overview of techniques

Media Arts & Architecture

Our Media Arts program introduces students to foundational techniques in media, including digital art, animation, live-action filmmaking, and graphic/product design. Our Architecture program introduced students to design principles and problem-solving through technical and freehand drawing, spatial visualization, and 3D modeling and construction. 

Course Offerings: 

• Media Arts 1
• Media Arts 2
• Architecture 1
• Architecture 2

Ceramics

• Learn to have fun with the challenge of using clay to express your individuality, creativity, emotions, and message to the world.
• Be exposed to cultural connections throughout ceramics history.
• Learn an overview of the science behind our use of ceramics materials.
• Be able to identify career opportunities associated with ceramics.
• Develop aesthetic sensitivity and be able to discuss conceptual and design issues as they relate to your own ceramic art and art in general.
• Learn the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as they relate to Ceramics.

Course Offerings:

• Ceramics 1
• Ceramics 2
• Ceramics 3

***************Performing Arts Programs ***************

Choir (Vocal Music)

All choir classes undertake an extensive study of a wide variety of choral and vocal literature, ranging from the early periods of music to the present.  Beginning and Intermediate Choirs focus on the fundamentals of vocal production, including pitch, intonation, breath control, range development, balance, music reading, and ear training.  Advanced Choir continues to develop students’ vocal skills and musicianship, and they participate in the annual spring tour. Promotion to the next level is based on audition and musicianship skill level. School performances are required at all levels.

Course Offerings: 

• Vocal Music 1 (Beginning Choir): No prerequisites or audition required.
• Vocal Music 2 (Intermediate Choir): Prerequisite: Vocal Music 1, middle school choir, or intermediate music reading skill.
• Vocal Music 3 (Concert Choir): Advanced choir, acceptance through audition.
• Vocal Music 4 (Concert Choir): Prerequisite: Vocal Music 3

Band & Guitar

The Band & Guitar Program at Lowell offers the opportunity to learn wind instruments, percussion, and guitar, from beginner to intermediate-advanced. There’s a place for students of all skill levels, opportunities for public performance, and an emphasis on community within and between ensembles. 

Course Offerings: 

• Band 1 (Beginning Band): introductory woodwind, brass, and percussion ensemble
• Band 3 (Concert Band): intermediate non-auditioned concert ensemble
• Symphonic Band: advanced auditioned concert ensemble
• Jazz Band: advanced auditioned jazz ensemble 
• Guitar 1: introductory guitar and ukulele course

Orchestra

The orchestra program offers students the opportunity to develop their skills on the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students explore a wide range of repertoire and genres, including works for string orchestra and full symphony orchestra, gaining experience in both technical precision and expressive performance. The program emphasizes ensemble collaboration, musicianship, and preparation for high-level performances.

Course Offerings: 

• Orchestra 2 (Intermediate Orchestra): Non-auditioned ensemble for developing string players.
• Orchestra 3 (Advanced Orchestra): Auditioned ensemble performing string repertoire.
• Symphony Orchestra: Top auditioned ensemble performing string and full orchestral repertoire.

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory provides students with a college-level study of music structure, including harmony, melody, rhythm, and form. Through ear training, sight-singing, and written analysis, students deepen their understanding of musical composition and interpretation. The course prepares students for the AP Exam and builds skills essential for advanced music study.

Course Offerings: 

• AP Music Theory

Theatre/Drama

Drama classes offer a wide range of benefits that extend beyond the stage. It helps build confidence by encouraging students to speak and perform in front of others therefore, improving their public speaking and communication skills. Drama sets students up for success when leaving the academic world and into the workforce. Drama also fosters creativity and imagination, allowing individuals to express themselves in unique ways. Collaboration is a key part of any performance, so students learn teamwork, empathy, and how to give and receive constructive feedback, all of which are integral to life when leaving school. Additionally, drama can be a great emotional outlet, promoting self-awareness and stress relief. 

Course Offerings: 

• Drama 1: A class to bolster self-confidence and security in public speaking through dramatic exercises. 
• Drama 2: A rigorous scene study and monologue creation class, aimed to grow young actors into mindful and thoughtful performers. 
• Drama 3: This top acting class goes over acting techniques, Devised play creation, musical theatre performance/ audition preparedness, and physical theatre. This class will prepare students for the kind of work a student may see in conservatory training. 

Technical Theatre

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of the elements that go into producing a show, including lighting, sound, set design, costumes, props, and stage management.  Students will learn how to use hand and power tools, design processes, build their own projects, and also help work on our own school productions. At higher levels, students will assume leadership roles, work with their own production teams, and have the opportunity to lead the design of our productions.

Course Offerings: 

• Technical Theater 1 (Beginning)
• Technical Theater 2 (Intermediate)
• Technical Theater 3 (Advanced) 

Dance

The Dance Program offers students of all levels the opportunity to explore movement, creativity, and performance. Beginning dancers build a strong foundation in technique, coordination, and confidence through daily practice and exposure to multiple styles such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, and folklorico. As students advance, they refine their technical skills, connect movement with musicality, and take on more complex choreographic tasks.

At the highest levels, students engage in a creative lab setting, designing original works, collaborating with peers, and studying choreographers across styles. Master classes with professional artists, solo and group projects, and opportunities to perform in the winter and spring concerts help dancers grow as performers and as creative thinkers. Throughout the program, students are supported with feedback rooted in the Critical Response Process, giving them the tools to reflect, take risks, and develop their individual artistic voices.

Course Offerings: 

• Dance 1
  An introduction to dance for all students, including beginners. Students build coordination, confidence, and foundational technique while exploring a range of styles such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, and folklorico. Emphasis is on self-expression, community, and creativity.
• Dance 2
  For students with prior experience (completion of Dance 1 or at least one year of training). Students strengthen technique, refine transitions, and connect movement with musicality. Choreographic projects expand, and students perform in both the winter and spring concerts.
• Dance 3
  Designed for intermediate to advanced dancers with at least two years of training. Students deepen technical skills, collaborate in group projects, and develop original choreography. Research into choreographers across genres supports both performance and creative work.
• Dance 4 Honors 
  A creative lab for advanced dancers to refine technique, explore personal style, and choreograph original works. Students engage in solo and group projects, collaborate across disciplines, and learn from master classes with professional artists. Performances showcase artistry, risk-taking, and individual voice.