Online Recruitment Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

For Students

Auditions
There is a two-step audition process; the first in music, the second, in marching. The music audition must be scheduled with our director, Mr. Robert Calonico, by contacting him at calonico@calband.berkeley.edu or (510) 643-9644. It comprises of a short sight-reading piece, two to three scales, a chromatic run starting from the lowest note you can play to the highest note you can play, and an optional prepared piece no more than three minutes in length. In-person auditions are preferred; however, if this is not possible, a tape audition process is also available. The marching audition is held during FTP, though no prior marching experience is needed.
Time Commitment
The minimum time commitment with the Band is six hours of rehearsal per week, with two-hour rehearsals every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Additionally, on game weeks, there is an extra rehearsal on Friday and on Saturday morning. All home football games are mandatory. Missing rehearsals is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Other performances, such as Straw Hat Bands and everything in the spring semester, are entirely optional.
Scheduling
Rehearsals next year will take place in the late afternoon, from 4:30pm until 6:30pm. If at all possible, please avoid scheduling classes that would conflict with rehearsal. However, if missing rehearsal is unavoidable, it is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Spring Admission
If you are a spring admit, you can enroll with the University's Fall Freshman Extension Program and be a part of the Band. Many of our members join the Band in this way.
Units / Compensation
Bandsmen do not receive any academic units or monetary compensation since the Band itself is a voluntary student group. We do get into athletic events (such as football, basketball, volleyball, and swimming) for free, and receive other additional perks at times. However, being in the Band is an extremely rewarding experience worth more than any form of payment. Scholarships and awards are available to select members.
Cost
There is no cost to be part of the Cal Band. However, Band members are expected to provide for their own uniform parts not provided by the Band (eg. white dress shirt, black socks, black shoes). There is no uniform rental fee.
Marching Experience
The Cal Band is proud to be one of the few bands in the nation that still practices the rigorous and unique high step marching style. Since our style is very distinctive, students who have never marched before may be at an advantage because they do not need to "un-learn" any habits formed with corps-style marching. All the fundamentals are taught during the Fall Training Program.
Instrumentation
The Band currently has the following instrumentation: piccolos, clarinets, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, sousaphones, snare drums, bass drums, tenor drums, cymbals, and glockenspiels. The Band does not march any auxiliary units (i.e. color guard or dance team) because it is a show style band. If you play an instrument that is related to one mentioned above (flute players, for example, may want to consider playing piccolo), please consider joining the Band. Any other students with musical experience are strongly encouraged to learn an instrument before joining us.

For Parents

Scholarships
There are scholarship opportunities in the Band, ranging from $300 stipends for First-Year Bandsmen Awards to a renewable $3500 George Miller Scholarship with the Band, depending on excellence through performance and commitment to the organization.
Housing
Housing during the retreat portion of FTP is provided. In addition, the Band has a dormitory-like private house called Tellefsen Hall which houses 44 bandsmen thoughout the year. The cost of living at Tellefsen Hall is significantly cheaper than living at the University Residence Halls, and includes food (with an open kitchen), utilities (electricity, water, and garbage), and a high-speed internet connection.
Academics
The Band has an extensive Academic Advising Program. The Band's average GPA is actually higher than the University's average GPA. The academic resources available to Band members include a common class list available to all bandsmen, a textbook exchange, and a test bank that the Academic Advising Program maintains.
Hazings / Initiations
The Band is in full compliance with the University's Anti-Hazing Policy. There is no tolerance of any violation of such policy.
Fees
There are no fees for your son / daughter to join the Band.
Involvement
There are plenty of ways to help out with the Band during Saturday gamedays; please refer to our Parents section for more information.