Strength in community
Chamber music brings us all together like one big family. Students learn that the spirit of teamwork extends beyond their own peer groups. They learn that everyone (including the audience) stands behind them and is invested in their growth and success.
Crowden students share a passion for learning and creating. Communication and concentration skills, self-confidence, curiosity, and a life-long love of music are just a few benefits of Crowden’s program.
Daily music practice causes an awareness of one’s own power to influence change, and leads to a greater empathy and curiosity about the world.
Crowden Families Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Crowden School welcomes all families, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, religion, or wealth.
Our shared love of music unites our vibrant, diverse community.
0%
of our student body receives need-based financial aid
Global & Local Citizenship
Crowden school students know that practice makes nearly anything possible. The self-empowerment they learn through instrument practice, they apply to enact change in their local community. Study within the classroom naturally extends to public service. A sixth grade science unit on nutrition leads to a school-wide study of hunger awareness, including a food drive, Oxfam Hunger Banquet, volunteering at the local food bank, and growing food in the school garden. Students make and donate blankets for those in need in their lunchtime knitting club, and organize climate action strikes. Each year, our students raise funds to support local and international charities. Classes hold bake sales, organize read-a-thons, and collect donations. Students have voted to support the following organizations in the past: One Warm Coat, Kiva Loan Program, Heifer International, The Berkeley Food and Housing Project.
Biennial Performance Tour
Every two years, Crowden School seventh and eighth graders go on a musical tour. Students treasure the Tour as a highlight of their time at Crowden. Each tour is jam-packed with public performances, musical exchanges with local young musicians, and educational explorations of the visited region's history and cultural landmarks.
Past tours have included: Chicago and Cleveland, Southwestern U.S., Washington D.C., New York City, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, England, Scotland, Italy, and New Zealand.
Biennial Performance Tour
Every two years, Crowden School seventh and eighth graders go on a musical tour. Students treasure the Tour as a highlight of their time at Crowden. Each tour is jam-packed with public performances, musical exchanges with local young musicians, and educational explorations of the visited region's history and cultural landmarks.
Past tours have included: Chicago and Cleveland, Southwestern U.S., Washington D.C., New York City, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, England, Scotland, Italy, and New Zealand.
Eighth Grade Leadership
Under the supervision of a faculty member, the eighth grade class leads activities and raises funds to provide community service to the school. Activities have included organizing events like Spirit Week, Haunted Houses, and dances, designing and distributing our yearbooks, and other industrious endeavors. Each graduating class purchases a meaningful gift for the school, as a token of their appreciation and to leave a “legacy” for the Crowden community.
Eighth Grade Leadership
Under the supervision of a faculty member, the eighth grade class leads activities and raises funds to provide community service to the school. Activities have included organizing events like Spirit Week, Haunted Houses, and dances, designing and distributing our yearbooks, and other industrious endeavors. Each graduating class purchases a meaningful gift for the school, as a token of their appreciation and to leave a “legacy” for the Crowden community.
Field Trips
Educational experiences outside of the classroom enrich the learning experience. Our students take frequent adventures! Past field trip destinations have included: Berkeley Public Library, Marin Museum of the American Indian, Peralta Hacienda, Lawrence Hall of Science, Oakland Museum, Angel Island, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Asian Art Museum, Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 826 Valencia, Phoebe Hearst Museum, Point Reyes, Mission Dolores, USS Hornet, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Ropes Course at Strawberry Canyon.
Social Events
School performances bring the Crowden School community together in support of our inspiring, hardworking students. We share food and friendship at potluck receptions following each student concert. Beyond our shared concert life, The Crowden School hosts a variety of gatherings to strengthen the bonds of our community. Examples include our annual Welcome Barbecue, New Family “Meet ’n Greet”, Holiday Party, Parent and Teacher Appreciation events, and Field Day. In the true spirit of teamwork, all of our school events are driven by a strong volunteer effort.
Social Events
School performances bring the Crowden School community together in support of our inspiring, hardworking students. We share food and friendship at potluck receptions following each student concert. Beyond our shared concert life, The Crowden School hosts a variety of gatherings to strengthen the bonds of our community. Examples include our annual Welcome Barbecue, New Family “Meet ‘n Greet”, Holiday Party, Parent and Teacher Appreciation events, and Field Day. In the true spirit of teamwork, all of our school events are driven by a strong volunteer effort.
Sharing Music With Others
Sharing the gift of music with others enriches the educational experience. Our student ensembles frequently provide music for civic events like the Berkeley Civic Center Art Exhibit or the North Berkeley Branch Library grand opening. Our groups often play at local retirement homes and nursery schools. At our annual Community Music Day, Crowden School students give hundreds of visitors a first hands-on experience with musical instruments. Our students also bring our mobile Instrument Petting Zoo to community events like Solano Stroll.
The Crowden School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Crowden is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we value our inclusive community of students, parents, and faculty and staff of all backgrounds. Together, we celebrate our many differences and unite in our shared love of music of all kinds and origins.