It's a fresh score for some and a new movement for others at the start of another exciting school year for all at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. On August 24, students were invited to move into their new home for music, the Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for Performing Arts (the Bowes Center), with a special day of activities. 

Resident Advisor's help students move into the Bowes Center.

Move-in day included several welcoming activities in the 12-story building, which was inaugurated in 2021, including tours of the living areas, cafe, basement-level technology hall, 24/7 practice rooms, rehearsal rooms, keyboard lab, the KDFC Classical California radio studios and breathtaking performance halls.

"Move-in day is always one of my favorite days of the year," said Dean and Chief Academic Officer Jonas Wright who was on hand to help students get settled into their new home for the school year. "This is an incredibly talented class and I'm very much looking forward to this school year!" 

Dean Jonas Wright helps a student in the Bowes Center lobby.

"We're thrilled to welcome this talented class of new students to the SFCM community! We look forward to what we know will be an exciting and fulfilling year ahead, " said James Encarnación, the assistant dean of admissions, who helped organize orientation for new students. This year just over 200 students have reserved rooms to live in the Bowes Center.

"I love the feeling and the excitement as the incoming students share who their private teachers will be and what fields of study interest them the most," Professional Development and Engagement Center Chair Kristen Klehr said.

Students are given SFCM badges upon arrival.

Move-in day was the start of a series of fun and welcoming week of orientation activities for students which includes an Open Mic Night in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall, an RA-led trip to Target, IKEA and the brand-new Trader Joe's that just opened blocks away in Hayes Valley. Other welcoming activities include a game and movie night and an introduction to all the student clubs on campus. 

"Everything went smoothly," SFCM Scheduling and Rentals Coordinator Jade Somoza-Norton said. "The students I got the chance to talk to were excited and eager to start the year. Everyone came prepared and even came equipped with questions about the Bay Area and what life is like living in San Francisco!" SFCM's home base of Hayes Valley is a bustling neighborhood filled with parks, restaurants, and arts destinations.

Resident Advisor's Julian Sommer, Manuel Calderon, Glenda Lindgren, Carlos Alvarez. (L to R)

SFCM’s Bowes Center features around-the-clock security officers and allows access only to students, faculty, staff, and guests utilizing badge access. Student Life employees plan to make the Bowes Center feel just like home for students through fun activities, student club advising, and campus programs all year long. 

Learn more about living on campus at SFCM.