After eight finger snaps, an ensemble begins a moderate tempo, high energy Cuban cha-cha-cha piece called “Escucha El Ritmo,” or in English, “listen to the rhythm.” More than 20 musicians are gathered in an acoustically sound room. A chorus of six singers, nine wind and brass players and a rhythm section of eight make up this Afro-Cuban ensemble. Their chords and cowbell ring out down the halls of the Creative Arts building. The ensemble director tells someone, “Shut the door. We have a reputation for being loud.”

John Calloway, 49, a SF State student ensemble director and world-renowned musician, was recently appointed to the San Francisco Arts Commission by Mayor Gavin Newsom last month. The SF State alumni and music instructor’s peers say that his musical expertise has secured him a place among local art and music circles and his service as the new commissioner is greatly anticipated.

Calloway is also anticipating his title. “I think the appointment to the commission will give me new insight into the world of politics and art,” he said.

Founded in 1932, the commission strives to assure that the arts remain a vital part of San Francisco. According to its website, the programs and initiatives taken by the organization provide accessible art to every person in San Francisco, from the showcase and preservation of murals and monuments, to dance and theater productions. Individual artists can go to the commission to learn how to get exhibitions, licenses to sell handmade arts and crafts on public sidewalks and permits for street performances. The jazz, Latin and world music performer considers his appointment to the commission a “mystery.”

“I was aware of the appointment,” said Calloway. “But I could not answer [why they appointed me]. Perhaps they looked at the breadth of my work as an artist and teacher.”

He was nominated by fellow board members and, in August, was approved by the mayor. Calloway will assist with decisions made by the board. The board regulates street arts, oversees sub-committees and approves grants and bonds for artists and their projects.

“[Calloway] has incredible expertise and enthusiasm for the arts,” said PJ Johnston, President of the Arts Commission Board. “We’re excited for his presence. He will be a great commissioner.”

Calloway has a bachelor’s degree in music from City University of New York and a master’s degree in music education from SF State. He is currently working towards his doctorate in international and multi-cultural education at the University of San Francisco. The multi-instrumentalist has also played with numerous bands in multiple countries.

Calloway started playing the drums over 30 years ago, but his main instrument is the flute. He has played with artists like Max Roach, Omar Sosa and Dizzy Gillespie and has performed at locations in Europe, Cuba and South America. He said that music affects all people and is a form of “cultural expression.”

Back in his classroom, Calloway has seemingly changed his mind about the class’s noise level. “The hell with being loud,” said Calloway to his Afro-Cuban ensemble in the stuffy room. “Keep the door open.”
Ensemble member, Tim Vickers, 19, described Calloway as intense. “He’s always doing something,” Vickers said. “It’s always song after song. We don’t get breaks.”

“You’ve got to bury yourself in this music,” Calloway said to his students.