Student Musical Activities (SMA), a department within Cal Performances, is a thriving center for extra-curricular music on the UC Berkeley campus. SMA is home to the University of California Marching Band (Cal Band), UC Jazz Ensembles, and UC Choral Ensembles (UCCE) which include the UC Men’s Octet, California Golden Overtones, Cal Jazz Choir, Perfect Fifth, Cal Chorale, Noteworthy, BareStage, Trill Seekers, and UC Alumni Chorus.
These award-winning groups provide musical education, performance experience, leadership, and arts management opportunities to 600 students, faculty, staff, and alumni from every academic discipline. Often serving as ambassadors of the campus at major University functions, SMA groups perform before public audiences in the thousands, in performances at football and basketball games, and alumni gatherings and fund-raising events, in addition to their own shows and concerts.
California Marching Band
The University of California Marching Band is one of the oldest college marching bands on the West Coast. The full band performs at every home football game, and, over the years, the Straw Hat Band has traveled to games as far as Wisconsin and Hawaii. The current Cal Band boasts a membership of over 200 students and is the only band in the Pac-12 and one of the few bands in the nation that still marches traditional high-step form.
UC Choral Ensembles
UC Choral Ensembles, also known as UCCE, offers students many exciting learning and performance opportunities including the development of musical and vocal skills and the exploration of a wide variety of musical styles. Performances range from formal concerts with professional soloists and orchestra to participation in Cal Spirit events. There’s something for everyone in UCCE, from Cal songs, to Jazz, to Classical, and even musicals!
UC Jazz Ensembles
UC Jazz Ensembles is the primary venue for the study and performance of jazz on the UC Berkeley campus. UC Jazz Ensembles provides instruction for eight to ten ensembles, bimonthly instrumental clinics, master classes, and over 40+ performance opportunities on- and off-campus per year. Our program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of ANY major or field, and to friends from the community!
The offices and rehearsal spaces of Student Musical Activities are located in the basement of César Chávez Student Center. The SMA administrative office is in Room 72 César Chávez.
If you would like to help us continue our tradition of excellence by donating to one or more of our groups, please go to the Donate section of the SMA website for more information.
For further information about SMA or any of our groups, please either go to the Contact section of the SMA website for SMA staff contact information, or click on the group name to enter their individual website.