The enormous benefits of music in education will be on display at the upcoming San Francisco Unified School District Arts Festival. The festival, which starts on March 3, will be at the Asian Art Museum, across from City Hall on Larkin Street, and is focused on visual, literary, media, and performing arts. Fifty artistic groups from San Francisco public schools will attend. About half are devoted to music. The festival is now in its 27th year. Admission is free. Here are some highlights:
March 3, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Performances by the S.F. Boys Chorus, The Hamlin School Girls Chorus, and Presidio Middle School Jazz Band. (A special exhibit surcharge of $10 for visitors over 18 applies. Don’t forget to book your visit time for the Terracotta Warriors on asianart.org.) From 2-4 p.m. at the Main Branch of San Francisco Public Library, next door to the museum: Students read their poetry and other literary works.
March 5, 10-11:30 a.m.: Film Makers Day - Films and Q&A with student filmmakers, grades 1-12. The event is curated by the education department of the San Francisco Film Society.
March 7, 2013, 5-8 p.m.: Award Ceremony and Community Celebration with a public reception. Dreamcatcher awards are given to outstanding educators and community education partners. Performances will be given by the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts Orchestra and Chorus and ensembles from A.P. Giannini and Presidio Middle Schools.
For a full schedule of events, visit the SFUSD Arts Festival website, (415) 581-3500.