Visual and Performing Arts
Unleashing Creativity and Independent Thought
Regardless of where your student flourishes in the arts, artistic expression provides students with the opportunity to grow in creativity and self-confidence.
Downey Unified’s art programs teach students the basics of their chosen medium and encourage outside of the box thinking. Students develop skills in the arts and for their academic and personal lives, learning to work collaboratively, how to ask for help, and not to fear failure.
Music Programs
Dedication and Confidence
Our music programs go beyond the harmonies, melodies, and beats. As students take part in programs like jazz band or choir, they learn how to be dedicated, confident, and passionate about their talents and skills.
For students with musical gifts and interests, joining one of our music programs can be life-changing and opens doors for college and beyond.
Special Programs
Music Theatre Conservatory
Free after-school program available to DUSD middle school students who want to pursue enrichment in performing arts.
Mariachi
The program encourages creativity and builds confidence while engaging students with Mexican culture.Important Benefits of Music in our Schools
A mastery of memorization
Even when performing with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond.
Increased coordination
Just like playing sports, children can develop motor skills when playing music; students who practice musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination.
A sense of achievement
Learning to play pieces of music on a new instrument can be challenging, but students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel proud of their achievement.
Kids stay engaged in school
An enjoyable subject like music can keep kids interested and engaged in school.
Students learn pattern recognition
Playing music offers repetition in a fun format. Children can develop their math and pattern-recognition skills with the help of musical education.
Music can be relaxing
Soothing music is especially helpful in helping kids relax.
Musical instruments can teach discipline
Kids who learn to play an instrument can learn a valuable lesson in discipline. They will have to set time aside to practice and rise to the challenge of learning with discipline to master playing their instrument.
Better SAT scores
Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the SAT. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math for students in music appreciation courses.