Before the semester's first rehearsals, SFCM students faced a different challenge: arranging their dorm rooms in four-part harmony.

The 12-story Bowes Center, which was inaugurated in 2021, welcomed nearly 220 new residents over the weekend as new and returning students moved in to start a new school year.  

Students move into the Bowes Center.

SFCM's six Resident Advisors (RAs) were on hand to help new students find their way around the state-of-the-art building. RAs are seniors who also live in the building, help curate student life, and assist new students with any questions. "Move-in day was great!" RA Solomon Shumate said. "I enjoyed getting to know all the new students and a highlight for me was seeing how most of the new students on my floor felt comfortable approaching me and asking for help. " Shumate is a senior in Vocal perfomance working with Mathew Worth. 

In addition, faculty and staff are on hand to answer questions from students. "Move-in is one of my absolute favorite times of the year," Assistant Dean of Admissions James Encarnacion said. "We're thrilled to welcome all students back to campus!"

SFCM staff welcome new and returning students.

Move-in day was the start of a series of fun and welcoming orientation activities, 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 the Bowes Center's three breathtaking performance halls.

This year nearly 220 students live the Bowes Center.

In addition to getting into their rooms, SFCM Student Affairs is leading a week of activities for students including an open night and separate RA-led trips to nearby Target, Safeway, and IKEA stores, as well as Trader Joe’s, just blocks away in Hayes Valley. Other welcoming activities include a game and movie night, job fair, and an introduction to all the student clubs on campus.

SFCM's Bowes Center is an award-winning vertical campus that does a lot more than house some of the most talented music students in the country. Hear that? Neither do we—Bowes performance venues are built to capture sound and eliminate vibration. In the first floor's performance space, the Cha Chi Ming Recital Hall, there is zero street noise from the always-busy Van Ness Avenue. (The building can withstand even the most powerful earthquakes and has its own generator and emergency water supply; you can read more fun facts about the Bowes Center here.)

An RA helps a student with their luggage.

The Bowes Center also aims to be as green as possible, with lights and HVAC systems turning off when a room is empty and back on when someone returns; learn more about SFCM's green initiatives here. 

SFCM’s Bowes Center also features 24-hour security officers and allows access only to students, faculty, staff, and guests utilizing badge access. "Living in Bowes is a great supportive community of people who are very serious and dedicated to their respected crafts," Shumate said of life on campus, adding some words of advice for new students, "Enjoy every moment of the experience here. It’ll go by fast!"

A student walks into his dorm for the first time.

Learn more about life on campus.