Devin Calderon ‘23, is a senior at Redwood High School, who was accepted to Fresno State University and got a full ride scholarship after being accepted into Fresno State’s Bull Dog Beat, which is the top scholarship music group at Fresno State. At Fresno State Devin will major in music composition.
Calderon says, “I’m planning on majoring in music because music has been a part of my life for about almost 8 years now and it’s overtaken everything I do. I do really well and I just have a serious passion.”
Calderon is going to major in music composition, and he started to be involved in music in middle school.
“I would write notations on my Chromebook. At first I was making arrangements, taking an existing song and rearranging it, after making it like my own version, and then after composing music” Calderon says.
About the teacher’s impact on his choice he says, “Both of my band teachers Mr. Ray (current) and my past one Mr. Luna definitely played one of the biggest roles in my choice of being a music major, they just set me up to go into the right direction.”
Calderon has always been inspired to get into music. “It just happened in the fifth grade, I picked an instrument and it just took off from there. However, even before that musically inclined from a very young age ” Calderon says.
Devin’s family had changed their opinion about his major after some time, after first not being sure if it was a good path. He says, “At first they were not sure because there is a stigma that music majors don’t really make that much money compared to other majors, but after seeing my potential they are now in full support.”
About choosing Fresno State he says, “I chose Fresno State mostly because of the cost but also because of the scholarships. I’ve been offered a full ride scholarship and made into a Bulldog Marching Band, that is the main reason I chose Fresno State.”
About his decision to stick with a major he says, “I’m 100% will stick with music forever. I knew I wanted to major in music right when high school began. I was reconsidering for some time, but now I’m definitely sure.”
About his future goals Calderon says, “ When I’m at Fresno state I’m going to be planning on participating in a Bulldog Marching band, the Fresno State Wind Orchestra and Fresno State Jazz Orchestra.”
After college Devin Calderon is planning on staying in the area to work professionally, he says, “After I receive my degree I plan on composing music professionally, and if all of this works out I could also become a music teacher.”
Anastasiia Tkachuk
Anastasiia Tkachuk, '24 is a first year writer for the Redwood Gigantea. She writes for the Arts & Entertainment section and seeks interest in dance, artwork, and fashion.
Tags: A&E, arts, band, Bull Dog Beat, California State Universiy, Clarinet, Devin Calderon, fresno, fresno state, Fresno State Marching Band, journalism, music, news, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, scholarship, visalia, visalia ca
