Music Department Welcomes New Chair: Travis J. Cross
Professor Travis J. Cross is set to take over as the chair of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Department of Music on July 1, 2018. The acclaimed music educator and conductor has been serving as vice chair of the department since 2014, and will succeed Professor Neal Stulberg, who led the department for four years.
Cross, who excels at conducting, composing, and arranging band music, holds degrees from St. Olaf College and Northwestern University in music. Prior to his position at UCLA, he taught for four years at Edina (Minn.) High School and served as assistant professor of music and wind ensemble conductor at Virginia Tech for five years.
Judith Smith, dean of the Herb Alpert School of Music, stated that Cross's achievements exemplify key areas within the Department of Music. His original compositions and arrangements are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Daehn Publications, and Theodore Music.
Cross has appeared as a guest conductor, composer, and clinician in more than 30 states and several international locations. He has conducted performances at the Virginia Music Educators Association conference, Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall. In 1988, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the United States Department of Education.
Cross's work in music education extends beyond the university level. He has taught in high school settings and is currently involved in the Music Education curriculum at UCLA. He has also been a guest conductor at the Midwest Clinic.
Cross's artistic leadership has been recognised by the University of Minnesota Bands community, but specific awards or titles beyond his leadership role are not detailed in the available results. His compositions and arrangements have been performed in countries such as Canada, China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and more.
Over the past five years, Cross has reinvigorated the UCLA Wind Ensemble and directs the graduate wind conducting program. He is also a Yamaha Master Educator. Cross will serve a three-year term as chair.
For a more complete biography or detailed resume, direct institutional pages or professional profiles may provide further insight.
Cross's extensive background in music, spanning education-and-self-development and personal-growth, is evident through his various teaching experiences and compositions. His leadership role at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, with his work on the Wind Ensemble and graduate wind conducting program, underscores his commitment to learning and the Department of Music.
