Visual & Performing Arts

Legacy & National Recognition: ECHS holds a proud history of musical excellence and award-winning performances dating back to 1941. Recognized nationally as a "Best Community for Music Education" by the NAMM Foundation, the program is a cornerstone of Gaucho culture.

Alumni Leadership & Faculty Excellence: The program is directed by Keith Johnson, an ECHS alumnus who returned to lead his alma mater's music department. Under his direction, Gaucho ensembles consistently earn top honors at regional and national festivals.

4-Year Pathway & Honors Credit: Offers a 4-year progressive music education across 5 curricular ensembles (including 3 concert bands and 3 jazz ensembles), plus the Gaucho Marching Band, Jazz Lab, and Jazz Combos. Advanced ensembles qualify for Honors / AP-level GPA weighting and satisfy the UC/CSU A-G "Subject F: Visual & Performing Arts" (VPA) requirement.

Official Website & Booster Support: Explore performance dates, audio highlights, and volunteer opportunities on the El Cerrito Band Association (ECBA) website.

Legacy & Performance Excellence: A celebrated performing arts discipline featuring seasonal student-choreographed showcases, formal dance concerts, and the Gaucho Dance Company.

Alumni Leadership & State Advocacy: Directed by Jessy Kronenberg (Class of 1998), who returned to succeed her mentor Jacqueline Burgess in 2012. A recipient of the WCCUSD Teaching Excellence Award and a leader on the California Dance Education Association board, Ms. Kronenberg helped advocate for statewide dance education legislation.

4-Year Pathway & Honors Credit: Features a 4-year sequential curriculum spanning introductory movement to advanced choreography. ECHS hosts an official chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), where advanced dancers earn Honors credit and graduate with state/national honors in dance.

Flexible Credit Options: Courses satisfy either the UC/CSU A-G "Subject F: Visual & Performing Arts" (VPA) requirement or mandatory High School Physical Education (PE) credits.

Official Website & Showcases: Access concert tickets, student performance videos, course details, and NHSDA info on the ECHS Dance Program Website.

Mainstage Productions & Performing Tradition: ECHS Theater brings dramatic storytelling to life through annual mainstage productions, including a Fall Play and a Spring Musical hosted in the ECHS Performing Arts Center.

Acting & Technical Crew Experience: Students gain hands-on training both on stage and behind the scenes—developing skills in acting technique, stage management, lighting design, sound engineering, and set construction.

Academic Credit & College Prep: Fulfills the UC/CSU A-G "Subject F: Visual & Performing Arts" (VPA) requirement for college admissions.

Performance Dates: Catch upcoming show dates on the ECHS PTSA Events Calendar and watch for announcements through the other Communications channels

Award-Winning Faculty & Gallery Recognition: Led by SoYoung Jun, a 2026 ECHS Teacher of the Year awardee. Ms. Jun’s curriculum emphasizes conceptual design, ceramics, and portfolio development, with student artwork showcased in public media and regional galleries.

Richmond Art Center Partnership: ECHS visual arts students participate annually in the WCCUSD Student Art Exhibition at the Richmond Art Center—a 50+ year tradition giving Gaucho artists professional gallery exposure for their work.

Offers courses from introductory visual art and ceramics to AP Art & Design (AP Studio Art). Advanced art students receive Honors-level GPA weighting while developing competitive portfolios for college admissions.

Academic Credit & College Prep: Fulfills the UC/CSU A-G "Subject F: Visual & Performing Arts" (VPA) requirement for college admissions.