UC Berkeley Hires New Band Conductor

BERKELEY, CA — A new band director has been hired at the University of California at Berkeley as the current director steps down after more than 20 years at the helm, university officials said on Tuesday.

Matthew Sadowski, 33, will make his conducting debut with the university band at the first football game of the season Sept. 1 in Memorial Stadium.

He officially starts in the position in August.

Sadowski takes over from Robert Calonico, who's retiring from the position he's held since 1995. Before his role as band director, Calonico was director of the UC Jazz Ensembles for five years.

The UC Marching Band has more than 200 members, performs at, among other events, all home football games and performed in the halftime show of Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

In a statement, UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ said, "We are delighted to welcome Matthew Sadowski to Berkeley as Director of Bands. He is an inspiring educator who possesses a rare combination of expertise and
artistry."

Sadowski comes to Berkeley from the University of Georgia where he recently completed a doctoral degree in conducting. Sadowski will also direct the music department's University Wind Ensemble.

"Teaching others how to give life-changing musical performances while learning from them about their own backgrounds and interests is my passion," Sadowski said in a statement.

— Bay City News; Image via Cal Performances