The Executive Committee is the administrative head of the Cal Band and is formed by five student leaders and the only University-paid employee, the Director.

Unlike other major collegiate bands, students will run rehearsals, pick the songs, chart the shows, arrange any trips, and handle promotions through committee vote.

In the early years (prior to 1971), various faculty from the Music department were appointed director of the band through an arrangement with the ASUC.

Coincidentally, James Berdahl (Student Director in 1938) was returning to Berkeley to work on his doctoral studies in music.

His responsibilities with the Cal Band included rehearsing, auditioning prospective new members, and directing on the football field opposite director James Berdahl.

In the recent past, the Cal Band has appeared at the San Francisco Symphony's "Black and White Ball", performed for such names as George Shultz (former U.S. Secretary of State), Peter E. Haas and family (UC Berkeley benefactors and the owners of Levi Strauss & Co.), and George Lucas.

In addition, the Cal Band has been seen on "The Ed Sullivan Show", the nationally syndicated game show "Wheel of Fortune", Santa Rosa TV 50's morning program, KTVU Channel 2's "Mornings on Two", KRON Channel 4's newscasts, "Bay Area Backroads", and sportscaster Vernon Glen's "Mr. Involvement".

Spring Show was discontinued in 2002 after financial burdens to the band resulting from funding cuts to the University of California system.

In a different sort of performance, the Cal Band was asked to help with the Nobel Lecture by George Smoot in 2006 by recreating "The Big Bang".

Following this performance, the Band marches in formation to California Memorial Stadium, leading a procession of Cal alumni and fans.

A "break off" band performed in the front of each major section during the third quarter prior to the 2012 renovation of California Memorial Stadium.

The Cal Alumni Band performs at various events such as: San Francisco AIDS Walk, Alumni Band Day, the Fourth of July Parade in Sausalito, California, Cal Basketball Games, and many other performances in the San Francisco Bay Area and across California.