UCLA Wind Ensemble - American Anthems

Travis J. Cross (he/him) serves as professor of music and director of bands at UCLA, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and leads the graduate wind conducting program. He chaired the music department from 2018–2023 and was associate dean for academic mentoring and opportunity during the initial years of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He previously taught at Virginia Tech and Edina (Minn.) High School. Cross earned doctor and master of music degrees in conducting from Northwestern University and the bachelor of music degree cum laude in vocal and instrumental music education from St. Olaf College. His principal teachers were Mallory Thompson and Timothy Mahr. Cross has appeared as a guest conductor, composer, and clinician in nearly 40 states; Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates; as featured band clinician at the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention; and on several occasions at the Music for All National Festival and Midwest Clinic. Cross is a member of the Council of Korean Americans and a Yamaha Master Educator.

Andrew Fresquez is an educator, clinician, and adjudicator based out of Southern California. He is currently a graduate student at UCLA, pursuing a master of music in wind conducting, studying under Travis J. Cross. At UCLA, Fresquez collaborates with and serves as teaching assistant for the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the “Solid Gold Sound” Bruin Marching Band. In addition, he also guest conducts the Brass Ensemble and uclaFLUX contemporary music ensemble. He received his bachelor of music in instrumental performance on bass trombone at California State University, Fullerton, with an emphasis in music education. Previous conducting instructors include Dustin Barr, Gregory Whitmore, and Jeff Malecki.