Music Department Gets a New Head: Travis J. Cross Takes Chair Position
New Leadership at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Professor Travis J. Cross is set to take on a new role as the chair of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Department of Music, effective July 1, 2018. Cross succeeds Professor Neal Stulberg, who led the department for four years.
Cross, a highly accomplished musician, holds degrees from St. Olaf College and Northwestern University in music. He is a tuba player with a bachelor's degree in music performance from Temple University, where he graduated summa cum laude. His academic achievements are complemented by his involvement in music education administration, as indicated by his association with the Music Academy of the West.
Cross has been a vice chair of the music department since 2014 and served as associate dean for academic mentoring and opportunity during the inaugural years of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He has also been instrumental in revitalising the UCLA Wind Ensemble over the past five years.
One of Cross's notable contributions has been the establishment of the UCLA Wind Conducting Workshop, a week-long event that brings music educators and conductors to campus for professional development. He has also revived the UCLA Wind Ensemble Invitational, welcoming hundreds of high school band students from across the region to perform on the stage of Royce Hall.
Cross's original compositions and arrangements are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Daehn Publications, and Theodore Music. He has led students in performances at prestigious venues such as the Virginia Music Educators Association conference, Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall. Cross has also appeared as a guest conductor, composer, and clinician in more than 30 states and several international locations.
In February, the UCLA Wind Ensemble participated in centenary performances of Leonard Bernstein's Mass with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The ensemble has also performed at the California All-State Music Education Conference and College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern Division conference.
Cross's term will last for three years. In this time, he is expected to continue his efforts in nurturing and developing the musical talents of students at UCLA.
[1] Information about the Music Academy of the West's administration can be found here.
Cross's involvement in music education administration, as indicated by his association with the Music Academy of the West, showcases his commitment to education-and-self-development. After hours, he enjoys entertaining himself with music, often composing and arranging pieces published by Boosey & Hawkes, Daehn Publications, and Theodore Music.
