Welcome!
We’re so glad you want to know more about the Cali School of Music.
The John J. Cali School of Music is a comprehensive, professional school of music centered on preparing the creative leaders of tomorrow. The school is dedicated to a premier artistic and academic education offering exceptional conservatory-level training in best-in-class facilities.
Students choose from majors in performance, jazz studies, composition, music education, recording arts + production, and music therapy, studying with world-class musicians dedicated to their artistic and personal growth. The school offers Bachelor of Music (BMus), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Music (MM), and Master of Arts (MA) degrees.
Campus Visits
- For university tours, open houses and admissions counseling, see Montclair State University Admissions.
- For individual visits to the Cali School, call 973-655-7610.
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Request a Visit Day
A great way to learn more about the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University is to experience it for yourself. We invite you to spend time with us and meet students, faculty and staff as well as participate in classes and ensembles. Experience what it is like to be a music major in the Cali School of Music. Request a Visit Day and let us plan a day that is meaningful for you!
On Campus Events by Area
Below find events that are happening on campus this semester. We hope to see you soon!
10/16/2024 Wed 1:30 PM
Cali Midweek Concert: Brass Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall
DONE 10/25/2024 Fri 8:00 PM
Brass Night 1
Rehearsal Hall G55 Friday
12/6/24 Fri 8:00 PM
Brass Night 2
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
11/22/2024 Fri 7:00 PM
Off-Campus Brass Concert
*First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell,
326 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ, 07006
Contact Brass Coordinator Ray Riccomini with any questions at riccominir@montclair.edu
Kaleidoscope Concert
Friday, October 4 @ 7:30 PM Tickets
Saturday, October 5 @ 8:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Kaleidoscope is a 90-minute non-stop extravaganza of diverse repertoire celebrating the Cali School’s talented faculty and students. The concerts feature the MSU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chorale, University Singers, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, and chamber and solo artists.
University Wind Symphony
and University Symphonic Band
with special guest Doreen Ketchens
Thomas McCauley, Conductor
Friday, November 1 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Clarinetist Doreen Ketchens joins the Montclair State University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band for an evening of classical and jazz music. The concert will also feature the music of composers Mary Lou Williams, Quinn Mason, Omar Thomas, Carol Brittin Chambers, and Ayatey Shabazz, among others.
University Symphonic Band and Campus Band
Thomas McCauley and Theodora Sotiropoulos, Conductors
Tuesday, December 10 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Join the Montclair State University Symphonic Band and Campus Band for an eclectic and entertaining evening of music. The concert will include music by Vincent Persichetti, Carol Brittin Chambers, and James Barnes, among others.
University Wind Symphony with special guests, the Zzyzx Quartet “Connections”
Thomas McCauley, Conductor
Friday, December 13 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Composers David Maslanka, Quinn Mason, and Omar Thomas’s music, combined with the unique talents of the Zzyzx Quartet, join the Montclair State University Wind Symphony to explore their “Connections.”
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauley for information about upcoming events.
Kaleidoscope Concert
Friday, October 4 @ 7:30 PM Tickets
Saturday, October 5 @ 8:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Kaleidoscope is a 90-minute non-stop extravaganza of diverse repertoire celebrating the Cali School’s talented faculty and students. The concerts feature the MSU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chorale, University Singers, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, and chamber and solo artists.
Choral Fall Concert
Vocal Accord, University Singers, Abigail Brodnick (MM ’24), soprano
Heather J. Buchanan, Conductor;
Steven W. Ryan, Accompanist
Sunday, November 3 @ 3:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
The University Singers and Vocal Accord present traditional and contemporary choral repertoire, including music by contemporary composers Jake Runestad, Jocelyn Hagen, Melissa Dunphy, Karen Marrolli, and Gwyneth Walker. The featured guest artist soloist is alumna Abigail Brodnick, a coloratura soprano and grand prize winner of the 2023 Camille Coloratura Awards (student division), finalist in the 2023 Sherrill Milnes Opera Idol Competition, and a study grant artist with the 2023 Savannah Voice Festival.
2024 Beatrice Crawford Memorial Concert
Raising Her Voice!
Equality, Hope, Peace + Unity
#WeAreMadeofSong
Sunday, December 15 @ 3:00 PM
FREE Tickets
Vocal Accord, University Singers, Chorale
+ Guest Artists Chamber Ensemble, Bergenfield HS Treble Choir, Chamber Orchestra
Heather J. Buchanan, Conductor; Steven W. Ryan, Pianist
PERFORMING
Here I Am – Jocelyn Hagen (East Coast Premiere)
Illuminare – Elaine Hagenberg
Undivided – Karen Marrolli (East Coast Premiere)
Beatrice Crawford Memorial Concert: This concert is a free public performance supported by a generous grant from the Keating Crawford Foundation.
Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) for information about upcoming events
Contact Marissa Silverman for information about upcoming events.
12/05/2024 Thu 8:00 PM
Cali Composers Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall
Contact Aaron Helgeson for information about upcoming events.
11/07/2024 Thu 10:00 AM
Music Therapy Day
Chapin Hall, Cali School of Music
Learn More about the Music Therapy Program or ask for further information, by contacting Dr. Brian Abrams.
11/23/2024 Sat 9:00 AM
11/24/2024 Sun 9:00 AM
Wind Band Conducting Symposium
Rehearsal Hall 201
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauley for information about upcoming events.
Kaleidoscope Concert
Friday, October 4 @ 7:30 PM Tickets
Saturday, October 5 @ 8:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Kaleidoscope is a 90-minute non-stop extravaganza of diverse repertoire celebrating the Cali School’s talented faculty and students. The concerts feature the MSU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chorale, University Singers, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, and chamber and solo artists.
University Jazz Ensemble
Oscar Perez, Director
Sunday, November 2 @ 8:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
The University Jazz Ensemble plays the repertoire of the great jazz masters as well as modern arrangements and contemporary music.
University Jazz Ensemble
Oscar Perez, Director
Sunday, December 8 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
The University Jazz Ensemble plays the repertoire of the great jazz masters as well as modern arrangements and contemporary music.
Contact Oscar Perez for information about upcoming events.
Montclair State University
Opera Workshop Chamber Opera presents
Hansel & Gretel
Engelbert Humperdinck, Composer
Karen Driscoll, Director
William Hobbs, Conductor
Saturday, December 7 @ 3:00 PM Tickets & 6:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
This fairy tale opera follows brother and sister–, Hansel and Gretel, as they are sent away to gather strawberries after frustrating their exhausted mother. While on their quest, the children get lost in the haunted woods where the renowned evil Witch of Ilsenstein dwells. After encountering some other magical characters, the children come upon a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house, where a kind old woman lives. They are invited inside to enjoy sweets and treats, only to be captured by the evil Witch! She puts a spell on the children, making them eat until they are plump so that she can cook them to perfection. The children manage to overcome the Witch, and their parents find them, all celebrating their freedom.
Montclair State University
Mainstage Opera & University
Symphony Orchestra presents
La Calisto
Francesco Cavalli, Composer
Rebecca Jo Loeb, Director
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
Saturday, February 1 @ 8:00 PM Tickets
Sunday, February 2 @ 3:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Cavalli’s poignant and ruckus opera begins in the heavens when we learn that a young, beautiful nymph, Calisto, has the chance to become immortalized as a constellation among the stars. Her story of being pursued by Zeus himself, devastated by the Goddess Diana, and finding herself in the middle of the follies and heartbreaks of an amusing cast of mythological creatures and star crossed lovers leads her down a path of ultimate humiliation and destruction. Will she find her way to the stars, or will she be cursed to live among the vengeful Gods in a beastly form?
Contact Karen Driscoll for information about upcoming events.
More information about the Cali School of Music Opera Program.
Kaleidoscope Concert
Friday, October 4 @ 7:30 PM Tickets
Saturday, October 5 @ 8:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Kaleidoscope is a 90-minute non-stop extravaganza of diverse repertoire celebrating the Cali School’s talented faculty and students. The concerts feature the MSU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chorale, University Singers, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, and chamber and solo artists.
University Symphony Orchestra
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
Saturday, November 2 @ 3:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Join the Montclair State University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
University Symphony Orchestra
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
Saturday, December 14 @ 8:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Join the Montclair State University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
Student Testimonials:
“The highlight of my time here at Montclair State was when I had the opportunity to perform with the Kronos String Quartet through the amazing Immersive Residency Program. It was a dream come true for me. I come from rock n’roll and started with the guitar. When I first heard Kronos play Purple Haze, it blew my mind. To be able to play with Kronos on stage at Merkin Hall was something out of a story book. ”
—Randy León, MM. Cello Performance 2023
“The John J Cali School of music has been a place where I’ve been able to blossom as a musician through the various opportunities that have been made accessible to me. Whether it’s masterclasses, residencies, or even my private lessons, the Cali school has given me the tools and experiences to excel beyond my expectations. ”
—Daniella Renteria, BM Violin Performance 2024
Contact Kathryn Lockwood for information about upcoming events.
10/09/2024 Wed 1:30 PM
Cali Midweek Concert: Piano Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Contact David Witten for information about upcoming events.
Contact Bryan Powell for information about upcoming events.
11/19/2024 Tue 8:00 PM
Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Student Testimonials:
“The highlight of my time here at Montclair State was when I had the opportunity to perform with the Kronos String Quartet through the amazing Immersive Residency Program. It was a dream come true for me. I come from rock n’roll and started with the guitar. When I first heard Kronos play Purple Haze, it blew my mind. To be able to play with Kronos on stage at Merkin Hall was something out of a story book. ”
—Randy León, MM. Cello Performance 2023
“The John J Cali School of music has been a place where I’ve been able to blossom as a musician through the various opportunities that have been made accessible to me. Whether it’s masterclasses, residencies, or even my private lessons, the Cali school has given me the tools and experiences to excel beyond my expectations. ”
—Daniella Renteria, BM Violin Performance 2024
Contact Kathryn Lockwood for information about upcoming events.
11/12/2024 Tue 8:00 PM
Graduate Voice Night
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
11/15/2024 Fri 8:00 PM
Undergraduate Voice Night
G55, Chapin Hall
FREE
Contact Lori McCann for information about upcoming events.
10/20/2024 Sun 10:00 AM
Saxophone Masterclass and Recital with Guest Artist Timothy McAllister
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall More Info
Flute Night
Students and ensembles from the Montclair State University flute studio perform works by composers including Chaminade, Bozza, Schwantner, Taffanel and much more.
G55
11/10/2024 Sun 8:00 AM
Double Reed Day
GUEST ARTISTS:
Monica Ellis, bassoon
+ Ryan Roberts, oboe
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Register Here: https://bit.ly/DoubleReedDayFall24
Bassoon Repairs:
Dan Sagi at O. Dibella Music
Oboe Repairs: Kristin Bertrand at Woodwind Workshop
VENDORS
Fox Bassoon
Kristin Woodwind
Laubin Oboes
Miller Marketing
S. W. Woodwinds
Woodwind Workshop
FULL DAY SCHEDULE
9-9:30AM Registration
9:30-10AM Convocation
10-11:50AM Montclair Faculty Masterclass with Repair Class Rotation
Noon-1:30PM Lunch time/Vendor Shopping
1:30-3PM Guest Masterclass: Bassoonist Monica Ellis & Oboist Ryan Roberts
3-3:50PM Double Reed Ensemble Rehearsal with Participants
3-3:50PM Supporting Your Double Reed Child or Student: For Parents & Band Teachers
4-5PM Culmination Concert: Faculty Recital & Double Reed Ensembles Perform
11/13/2024 Wed 8:00 PM
Woodwind Night Concert
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
11/14/2024 Thu 8:00 PM
Woodwind Doubling Night Concert
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Contact Benjamin Barron for information about upcoming events.
3D Tour of the Cali School of Music’s Chapin Hall
Concerts
Every year in October, the Cali School celebrates the opening of the school year by presenting Kaleidoscope concerts, where our student and faculty soloists, chamber groups and large ensembles perform. We also present more than 300 daytime and evening concerts and masterclasses by students, faculty and guest artists throughout the year. See Concerts and Events for the most up-to-date listings.