<p>Can anyone tell me about the music program at Cal? My son is a HS junior sax player (also plays clarinet and some flute) who is considering a range of college music options - major, minor, or just performing in ensembles. Thanks.</p>
<p>The band director here is Robert Calonico. He is also the director of the University of California marching band. Bob has many sons, and many sons have Bob. </p>
<p>Excuse me, I didn’t mean to be inappropriate like that. But he is super laid back and very approachable. Everyone calls him Bob and loves him. As for your son, if he is serious about wind ensemble and if he is coming from a very rigorous high school band program, he will realize it’s not too difficult. We still have very talented musicians, but it’s not as intense as UCLA or University of Pacific which have a dedicated school of music. Other music programs like ethnomusicology and music history program are better in Berkeley. </p>
<p>If he wants utter seriousness, he won’t be too pleased. However, music is one of the best and the most fun program to minor in, which I am doing currently. You need to perform in a wind ensemble for at least 3 semesters to get a minor along with taking some music theory and history classes. It is not that difficult and almost everyone enjoys it because we have great professors.</p>