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, 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!
Wednesday September 24, 2025 at 2pm
Cali Midweek: Brass & Woodwinds Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Brass Studio Nights
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 8pm
Brass Night I
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 8pm
Brass Night II
Room G55, Chapin Hall
03/18/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Brass Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Brass Coordinator Micah Killion with any questions at killionm@montclair.edu
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Symphonic Band & Campus Band Concert
Dr. Thomas McCauley and Theodora Sotiropoulos, conductors
Join the University Symphonic Band and Campus Band as they present an eclectic evening of music making.
Friday, December 5, 2025 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Wind Symphony Concert
Dr. Thomas McCauley, conductor
The music of composers Shuying Li, David Maslanka, Jodie Blackshaw and others are featured in a program titled “Jouneys Real and Imagined”
Friday, March 20, 2026 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Wind Symphony & Cali Alumni Concert Band
Dr. Thomas McCauley, conductor
Join us in a concert celebrating Dr. Thomas McCauley’s 20th year as Director of University Bands! The program will feature the University Wind Symphony and a concert band comprised of alumni from the past 20 years. The program will also include the winner of the 2025-2026 Wind Symphony Concerto Competition.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Symphonic Band & Campus Band Concert
Dr. Thomas McCauley and Theodora Sotiropoulos, conductors
Join us for an ecletic evening of wind music featuring the University Symphonic Band and Campus Band.
Friday, April 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Wind Symphony Concert
Dr. Thomas McCauley, director
The University Wind Symphony’s program “Reminiscences” will feature the music of composers Jennifer Jolley. Erica Svanoe, David Maslanka, James Barnes, and William Bolcom.
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauley for information about upcoming events.
10/31/2025 Fri 8:00 AM
High School ChoralFest
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University
Sunday, November 2, 2025 @ 3pm Ticket link to come
University Singers & Vocal Accord Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, conductor
Introducing the 2025-26 choral program theme Sky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within Me via traditional & contemporary choral repertoire. Featuring alumna solo guest artist Maegan Hoogerhyde ’20, soprano and welcoming choral accompanist Greg Stout in his Cali debut.
12/03/2025 Wed 8:00 AM
NJSMA Choral Festival
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University
Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
University Choirs Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, conductor
A feast of traditional and modern masterworks: Vocal Accord’s world premiere performance There Will Come Soft Rains (Ian Kearney ’25); University Singers Messiah Highlights with student soloists; Chorale’s NJ premiere of co-commission Love (William Payn). Pre-concert presentation by composers @ 7 pm (lobby balcony) hosted by MSU-ACDA Chapter.
03/21/2026 Sat 12:00 PM
Choral Showcase #Inspired! Workshops
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University
Saturday, March 21, 2026 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
Choral Showcase #Inspired! & Immersive Residency Concert
Dr. Anton Armstrong & Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, conductors; Greg Stout, accompanist
Celebrating the transformative and unifying force of choral music. Featuring Cali Immersive Residency guest conductor Dr. Anton Armstrong and 5 choirs: Vocal Accord, University Singers, two HS choir showcase artists – Hillsborough HS Chamber Singers (Ashley Mathews, conductor) and TBA. Culminating in a massed choir performing music by Susan LaBarr, André Thomas, and Rollo Dilworth.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
Vocal Accord, University Singers & Orchestra Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan and Kyle Ritenauer, conductors; Greg Stout, accompanist
Illuminating the theme Sky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within Me through diverse choral music that speaks to our aspirations and limitless potential, need for connection and community, and expression of passion and purpose.
Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) for information about upcoming events
October 22, 2025
Urban Music Teacher Professional Developmnet
Join us for an inspiring day of professional development tailored for urban music educators. Led by experts in music education, this session offers practical strategies, fresh resources, and creative approaches to energize your teaching and engage diverse student communities.
January 12, 2026, 9am-3pm
Cali School of Music
Professional Development for Music Educators (Limited to 60 teachers)
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
The John J. Cali School of Music invites educators to a dynamic professional development day designed to spark innovation in the classroom. Gain actionable insights, network with fellow teachers, and explore new methods to elevate your music program.
Facilitators:
Whitney Covalle
Thomas McCauley
Laura Montanari
Bryan Powell
Marissa Silverman
Register: https://forms.gle/Pkssr7hXTR4iT3xy8
Fridaym March 20, 2026
Choral/Music Education Professional Development featuring Dr. Anton Armstrong
Cost: $20
A day of exploration and inspiration for choral directors, aspiring choral music educators, and community/church choristers via interactive workshops:
- Understanding and Performing African American Spirituals
- Body – Mind – Spirit – Voice: Our Calling as Arts Educators in the 21st Century.
- Music (yours to keep) and boxed lunch provided
- Register via https://forms.gle/rCV4jXqwjFE86HyD7
(RSVP: January 26, 2026, or until places are filled). - Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) with questions.
- Paid parking in Red Hawk Deck, adjacent to Chapin Hall
- Co-hosted by Montclair State ACDA chapter
Contact Marissa Silverman for information about upcoming events.
03/04/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Composition Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Aaron Helgeson for information about upcoming events.
November 6, 2025
Music Therapy Day – Register
9AM – 1PM in Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall (home of the Cali School of Music), Montclair State University.
Please Note: Complimentary parking passes will be provided for guests who park in the Red Hawk Deck.
Schedule
9:45am-10:00am Arrival (Chapin Lobby)
10:00am-10:15am Greetings and Orientation to Montclair State University and The John J. Cali School of Music (Leshowitz)
10:15am-10:45am An Introduction and Overview of the Music Therapy Profession (Leshowitz)
10:45am-11:30am Video Examples of Music Therapy in Action (Leshowitz)
11:30am-12:00pm The Music Therapy Programs at Montclair State (Leshowitz)
12:00pm-12:30pm Questions and Conversation (Leshowitz)
12:30pm-1:00pm Tour of Cali School of Music (Chapin Hall)
Learn More about the Music Therapy Program or ask for further information, by contacting Dr. Brian Abrams.
11/22/2025 Sat 9:00 AM
11/23/2025 Sun 9:00 AM
Wind Band Conducting Symposium
Room 201
Chapin Hall, Montclair State University
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauley for information about upcoming events.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
University Jazz Ensemble Concert
Dr. Oscar Perez, director
Join the University Jazz Ensemble as they play through classic and contemporary big band music. This speical concert will also feature the University Alumni Jazz Ensemble, directed by the Professor Emeritus and foudner of the Jazz Studies program, Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel.
12/08/2025 Mon 8:00 PM
Jazz Combo Night #1
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
12/09/2025 Tue 8:00 PM
Jazz Combo Night #2
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
12/10/2025 Wed 8:00 PM
Vocamotion
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
12/11/2025 Thu 8:00 PM
Red Hawk Jazz Band
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Sunday, December 14, 2025 @ 3pm Ticket link to come
Crawford Memorial Concert: University Jazz Ensemble
with Jazzmeia Horn
Dr. Oscar Perez, director
For our fifth Crawford Concert offering, the University Jazz Ensemble will be joined by Grammy nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. She is among the vanguard in jazz, using her knowledge of the canon to inform decisions firmly rooted in traditional parts of the genre, while still adding in contemporary ideas, themes and music.
FREE Tickets Required
01/28/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Faculty Jazz Combo
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Sunday, March 22, 2026 @ 3pm Ticket link to come
University Jazz Ensemble & Guest High School Concert
Dr. Oscar Perez, director
Experience an exciting evening of jazz as the University Jazz Ensemble and a guest high school group perform classics by jazz masters and bold contemporary works. From swing to modern grooves, this concert showcases the full spectrum of jazz with fresh energy and exceptional student talent.
04/20/2026 Mon 8:00 PM
Jazz Combo Night #1
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/21/2026 Tue 8:00 PM
Jazz Combo Night #2
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/22/2026 Wed 8:00 PM
Vocamotion+
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/23/2026 Thu 8:00 PM
Red Hawk Jazz Band+
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Sunday, April 26, 2026 @ 3pm Ticket link to come
University Jazz Ensemble Concert
Dr. Oscar Perez, director
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
The Medium
Gian Carlo Menotti, Librettist & Composer
Presented with chamber forces, featuring two pianists in place of full orchestra
Karen Driscoll, Director
William Hobbs & Ginny Stephens, Pianists & Musical preparation
Deborah Caney, Costume Designer & Coordinator
Lucas Pinner, Scenic Designer
Paige Elise Buchanan Stewart, Livestream Production
Alexander Kasser Theater
Sunday, December 7 @ 5 PM Tickets & 7:30 PM Tickets
Come join us for Gian Carlo Menotti’s hauntingly beautiful opera, The Medium.
A psychological drama filled with mystery, tension, and lyrical intensity, The Medium tells the story of Madame Flora, a fraudulent spiritualist whose world unravels when the line between illusion and reality begins to blur.
With its gripping music, dramatic characters, and intimate storytelling, this short opera (in an hour) promises to be a powerful theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.
SUNG IN ENGLISH
Content Advisory: The Medium contains depictions of séances, alcohol use, psychological distress, the use of a prop firearm and the sound of gunshots.
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
A dragon to be vanquished. A magic flute that conquers hearts. A queen whose rage blazes among the stars. A secretive order holding the power of the sun.
One of the most beloved operas of all time, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) is a dazzling adventure where fairy tale, comedy, and timeless wisdom meet. With music that soars from the hilarious to the sublime, it enchants audiences of all ages.
Follow Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they brave trials of fire, water, and silence in their search for love and enlightenment. Laugh with the irrepressible bird-catcher Papageno, and be swept away by the Queen of the Night’s blazing vengeance and show-stopping arias. Beneath its fantastical surface lies a story of courage, compassion, and the triumph of harmony over darkness.
Join us for an unforgettable journey of magic, music, and imagination.
Sung in German • Spoken dialogue in English (Janine Morita Colletti)
Contact Karen Driscoll for information about upcoming events.
More information about the Cali School of Music Opera Program.
Friday, December 12, 2025 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Symphony Orchestra Concert
Kyle Ritenauer, director
Join the University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 @ 8pm; Ticket link to come
Sunday, February 1, 2026 @ 3pm Ticket link to come
Opera Performances
Janine Morita Colletti, director
Kyle Ritenauer, conductor
Join us for a spectacular evening of opera! Experience the powerful voices of our future opera stars and the brilliance of our musicians as the University Mainstage Opera presents a thrilling full-length production, in collaboration with the University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kyle Ritenauer.
Sunday, March 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Symphony Orchestra Concert
Kyle Ritenauer, conductor
Join the University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
Vocal Accord, University Singers & Orchestra Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan and Kyle Ritenauer, conductors; Greg Stout, accompanist
Illuminating the theme Sky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within Me through diverse choral music that speaks to our aspirations and limitless potential, need for connection and community, and expression of passion and purpose.
Contact Kyle Ritenauer for information about upcoming events.
10/08/2025 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Piano & Guitar Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
2/25/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Piano Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact David Witten for information about upcoming events.
Contact Bryan Powell for information about upcoming events.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 3pm Ticket link to come
University Symphony Orchestra Concert
With Cali Immersive Residency Guest
Stefan Jackiw, violin
Kyle Ritenauer, conductor
Join the University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music featuring Cali Immersive Residency guest violinist Stefan Jackiw.
11/05/2025 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Strings & Voice Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
11/18/2025 Tue 8:00 PM
Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
11/19/2025 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
02/18/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Strings Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/14/2026 Tue 8:00 PM
Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/15/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
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.
11/05/2025 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Strings & Voice Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/01/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Voice Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Lori McCann or Beth Roberts for information about upcoming events.
09/11/2025 Wed 7:00 PM (Reservations not required)
Materclass and performance: Luisma Gonzalez Jiminez,
saxophone
Luisma Gonzalez Jimenez will be presenting a masterclass featuring Cali saxophone students as well as a performance.
Luis María González is an award-winning Spanish saxophonist and educator whose international career spans performances at Carnegie Hall, Théâtre du Châtelet, and the Palau de la Música Catalana, alongside acclaimed recordings with his Gaman Ensemble. A dedicated scholar and pedagogue, he combines his roles as professor at the Conservatoire Marcel Dupré in Paris, soloist with the Almería Symphonic Orchestra, and researcher in musicology and neuropsychology at the University of Granada.
09/24/2025 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Brass & Woodwinds Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
11/18/2025 Tue 8:00 PM
Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
11/19/2025 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
03/25/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Woodwinds Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/15/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Benjamin Barron for information about upcoming events.
Fall Event Showcasing All Instruments and Areas:
Friday, October 3, 2025 @ 7:30pm; Ticket link to come
Saturday, October 4, 2025 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
Kaleidoscope
The Cali School’s season opening concert, Kaleidoscope is a non-stop extravaganza featuring large ensembles Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chorale, University Singers, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra indispersed with chamber performances and solo artists.
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.