HISTORY

The first school in the small community of Livermore was Livermore Union High School which was established in 1891. The grammar school districts which existed in the surrounding townships at that time were: Green School, Inman School, Summit School, and May School. Fifth Street Elementary School was built in 1923, and all of these school districts were unified into the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District in 1965.

Over the years Livermore schools have developed and maintain a curriculum that encourages and promotes the visual and performing arts. At the present time the schools offer instruction in art, photography, wood shop, drama, film, instrumental and vocal music.

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

At the elementary level, the teachers have been trained in Monart and use this as part of their classroom art curriculum. Every elementary school in the district offers string instrumental instruction at the fourth grade level. General Music, Brass and Woodwind instruction are added in the fifth grade. Many elementary schools are now offering vocal music in many grade levels. In addition, the elementary schools offer enrichment programs in which parents, teachers, and community members serve as teachers. These programs include GATE (Gifted and Talented Education), FAME ( Fine Arts Mini Experience), and SAM (Stories, Art, and Music).

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL

At the middle school level, visual and performing arts are offered at all levels. Instrumental music instruction in the form of Band and Orchestra are continued. Art is offered at different times throughout the grade levels and includes ceramics, drawing, video production, drama, cooking, and woodworking.

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

Both Livermore and Granada High Schools offer a wide range of visual and performing arts. Both schools have a full band program including Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Pageantry. The String Orchestra instruction is continued and combines both high schools into the Livermore Youth Symphony Orchestra. The vocal program at both high schools offers two choirs: Concert Choir and Chamber Chorale. All of these ensembles present several concert performances throughout the year.

Departments at both high schools offer classes in drawing, ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, fashion design, woodworking, drama, and film/video. Both schools present two drama productions per year, usually a fall play and a spring musical.

The district music department provides the opportunity for individual performance by music students in a Solo and Ensemble Festival every year. Also, the music departments help students to audition and participate in California Music Educators All State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs. The art, home economics, and wood shop classes at the high schools encourage and help students enter yearly projects in the Alameda County Fair.