Online Recruitment Brochure
Year-Round Opportunities
Performances
The Cal Band performs for a variety of functions around the University, the Bay Area, the state, and the
country. While the entire marching band is present at every home football game and the yearly away game in
L.A., the Straw Hat Band, a volunteer-based division of the Cal Band, attends every away football game and
each home basketball game in addition to performing at various private parties, parades, and sporting events
around the Bay Area. Recent Straw Hat Band performances include performing at "Mornings on 2" on KTVU, "The
Morning Zoo" on KMEL, the San Francisco Black and White Ball; opening for Weezer; and marching in the San
Francisco Chinese New Year's Parade.
Variety, Leadership and Academics
While marching season ends in the fall, opportunities for involvement with the Cal Band exist all year long! Some students choose to focus more exclusively on academics during the spring, and while they do not remain actively involved, they can continue to utilize the Band's academic services. Other students enjoy participating in our Spring Show in order to showcase their varied talents. Each year participants show off their multitude of talents to crowds of over 1000 students, alumni, and community members. Past Spring Shows have been performed in Zellerbach Hall on the Cal Berkeley campus and on the road in communities such as Napa and Sacramento. Wherever the Spring Show goes it is met with a hugely positive response.
The Cal Band is an excellent place for student leadership which doesn't
end with football season. Year round work is put into the Band by its student leaders. After spring finals,
local bandsmen and those who stay for summer school may continue to participate in Straw Hat Band
performances, or may aid in the preparations for the upcoming fall marching season. During any time of year,
the Cal Band encourages its members to remain active.
A Home in the University
About one quarter of our members live in the Band's house, Tellefsen Hall. Built in 1894, and
conveniently located one block from the north edge of campus, Tellefsen Hall (or TH as it is commonly
called) houses 44 students in double, triple, and quadruple occupancy rooms. Students of all ages, whether
undergraduate or graduate, whether first year or fifth, enjoy the community dynamic, the joint house
activities, and the great food (provided by our chef, Nancy) that TH offers. Band members who do not choose
to live at TH are encouraged to become a house social member in order to take advantage of house activities
(such as formal dances, parties, and trips) at a low flat rate each year. Due to the convenience, the low
cost, and the supportive atmosphere that TH provides, many bandsmen find their stay at TH enjoyable. All of
these advantages make TH one of the most important services that the Cal Band offers its members each
year. Their website has more information.