Yessica Calderon

Pronouns Used: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Blue Island, Illinois 

Principal Instrument: Alto Saxophone

Majors: Music Business/Management

Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.

My favorite experience is definitely the caf show I hosted in fall 2022 through my club, La Fuerza Hispana. Our club used the show as a showcase of different Latin and Hispanic talent in the Berklee community. We let students pick our miniature flags for their home country and it was just beautiful to see all the vibrant colors swaying in the crowed while they cheered on for our performers.

When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?

My favorite class so far has been Symphonic Winds Ensemble with Dominick Ferrera. I've taken the class four times and will continue to take it until I graduate. Symphonic Winds makes me feel like I'm in high school concert band again and it honestly just takes me back to where I grew my love for music. Dom really makes the class enjoyable and the size of the class just helps me appreciate all of the talent there is at Berklee.

What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston? 

I have always loved how safe Boston feels to me. I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and walking alone at night is not something I did often—or at all—back home. I love being able to walk back to my apartment here in Boston after my night classes and not feel so "on edge." 

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee?

Don't be afraid to get out of your personal bubble! There are amazing people at Berklee and you should try to meet as many of them as possible. 

Where is your favorite place on campus?

I love the benches in front of 160. I have great memories just sitting on those benches joking around and laughing with my friends.

Why did you choose Berklee?

Berklee was my dream school when I was applying to colleges. When I got in, it was just a no-brainer that I had to go.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on going off to law school. My dream is to become a lawyer within the music industry.

What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you’ve been involved in at Berklee?

As a music business major, I haven't really been in many live shows, but the ones I have been a part of have been amazing experiences where I've gotten to know some amazing people. 

Where do you hope to perform this coming year?

I would like to do one BPC show before I graduate, so I hope to be a part of one of the upcoming shows in the spring.

Your social media channel/web URL?

Instagram: @yessixcalderon