| UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
To report an upcoming performance, please e-mail cross@theodoremusic.com. RECENT PERFORMANCES
The Virginia Tech Symphonic
Wind Ensemble performed “Short Essay” in Burruss Auditorium at Virginia Tech on April
17, 2011. The ensemble then performed the work on tour at Broadway (Va.) High School and the
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
on April 18 and Mountain View (Stafford, Va.) High School on April 19.
The City of Fairfax Band,
Robert Pouliot, conductor, premiered “And the grass sings in the meadows” at Fairfax High
School in Fairfax, Va., on April 16, 2011. The seven-minute grade 5 work was commissioned by the band
and completed earlier this spring.
The Westchester Symphonic Winds,
Curt Ebersole, conductor, performed “Morning Song” and “Rizzendo” at
Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown,
N.Y., with the composer conducting on March 13, 2011. The Westchester Symphonic Winds also performed
“When in Our Music” with the Chrysalis choral ensemble on December 5, 2010.
The La Crosse (Wis.) Logan High School Wind Symphony, Mark Lakmann, conductor, performed “Everlasting
Light” on December 19, 2010. The Logan Wind Symphony led the consortium to commission “Elegy” in 2009.
The Robinson Secondary School (Fairfax, Va.) Concert Band IV performed “Looking at the Stars” at their winter
concert on December 1, 2010.
The Jefferson Forest (Va.) High School Wind Symphony, David Webb, conductor, performed “Looking at the Stars”
at the 2010 Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service
Conference at the Marriott Norfolk Waterside on November 19, 2010, with the composer conducting. The
United States Army Training
and Doctrine Command Band, Capt. J. Scott McKenzie, conductor, performed “Things That Never Were”
on a new music session at the conference on day earlier, on November 18, 2010.
The Manchester College Symphonic Band, Scott Humphries, conductor, performed “Short Essay”
in Cordier Auditorium at Manchester College on October 22, 2010.
The Shenandoah Conservatory Concert Band,
Emily Threinen, conductor, performed “Elegy” in Armstrong Concert Hall at Shenandoah
Conservatory on October 15, 2010.
Kentaro Udagawa led the combined middle school bands from the International School Bangkok
and Singapore American School to perform “Looking at the Stars” in Singapore on September
18, 2010. Both bands are members of the Association
for Music in International Schools and participated in the January 2010 premiere of the work.
The Eagan (Minn.) High School Wind Ensemble, Thomas Maeck, conductor, premiered “Things That
Never Were” in concert on June 2, 2010, and at commencement exercises on June 5, 2010. The work
was commissioned by the Eagan High School Wind Ensemble, Eagan High School Band Boosters, and Eagan
High School Class of 2010 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the school. A recording will be
available soon.
The Virginia Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed “Looking at the Stars” at North Side
High School in Roanoke, Charlottesville High School, and W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax on
May 13, 2010. The Broken Arrow (Okla.) North Intermediate High School presented the American premiere of the work
on March 2, 2010. The District 196 (Minn.) Middle Level Honor Band gave the second American performance
on March 12, 2010, and the Montgomery County (Va.) Honor Band played the piece on March 16, 2010. A
perusal score and recording are now available further down on this page.
The Pleasant Valley (Iowa) High School Wind Ensemble and Chamber Choir premiered “When in
Our Music” on March 29, 2010. The work was commissioned in honor of Jana S.
Witte, who had served as choral accompanist at the school. A recording will be available soon.
The Hopkins (Minn.) Westwind Concert Band
performed “Be Thou My Vision” at Edinborough Park in Edina, Minn. on
March 14, 2010.
The Capital High School Band performed “Dawning Day” at the Municipal
Auditorium complex in Charleston, W.V., as part of an honor concert for the West Virginia Music Educators
Association Annual Professional Conference on March 4, 2010.
The Orono (Long Lake, Minn.) High School, Donald Krubsack, conductor, performed “Morning
Song” at the
2010 Music for All National Concert Band Festival at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis, Ind.,
in March 2010.
The Shenandoah Conservatory Concert Band,
Emily Threinen, conductor, performed “Tribute” in Armstrong Concert Hall at Shenandoah
Conservatory on February 22, 2010.
The Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) District VIII Symphonic Band performed
the revised version of “Short Essay” at Glouchester High School on February 5, 2010. The District
VIII Concert Band performed “Elegy.”
The Association for Music in International
Schools (AMIS) Asian Middle School Honor Band, Peter Lutkoski, conductor, premiered
“Looking at the Stars” at the Shanghai American School Pudong on January 31, 2010.
GIA Publications has released volume four of
Composers on Composing for Band, edited by Mark Camphouse. Travis J. Cross
is one of the 17 “young and emerging” composers who have contributed chapters to the book.
Also in December 2008, GIA released volume seven of the Teaching Music through Performance in Band
book and compact disc recording series, which includes an article about “Tribute.”
Upcoming works include commissions from the Northshore Concert Band, City of Fairfax Band,
Blacksburg (Virginia) High School, the Indiana Bandmasters Association, and the Northeast Iowa Bandmasters Association.
If you would like to perform any of my works or receive perusal
scores and additional recordings, please e-mail me at cross@theodoremusic.com. Thank
you for listening to my music and visiting my
website! |
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 | Alleluia (1997) for mixed chorus by Ralph Manuel transcribed for symphonic wind ensemble In composing “Alleluia,” Ralph Manuel created a masterwork for the a capella choir. Through its melodic simplicity and warm harmonic textures, it beautifully expresses the sentiments of “Alleluia,” its only word of text. The numerous timbral possibilities of the symphonic wind ensemble provides an exciting palette of sound for this arrangement. Premiered by the Ankeny High School Band at spring contests in 1997, the piece seems right at home in the wind band world. The Gahanna Lincoln High School performed the work at the 2002 Ohio Music Educators Association conference, and the Ankeny High School Band performed the work at the 2002 Iowa Bandmasters Association conference. Now published by Daehn Publications of New Glarus, Wis., and available through fine music stores everywhere! For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING |
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 | And the grass sings in the meadows (2011) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 7’ “And the grass sings in the meadows” was commissioned by the City of Fairfax (Va.) Band, Robert Pouliot, music director and conductor. They gave the premiere performance on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The title of the work comes from the final stanza of the “Spring Carol” by Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894). A score and set of parts are available for only $100. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Be Thou My Vision (1999) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’ “Be Thou My Vision” incorporates a traditional Irish melody found in the 1909 edition of Old Irish Folk Music and Songs. In 1927, the tune was harmonized and matched with the ancient Irish hymn text with which it has come to be so closely associated today. This arrangement for wind band seeks to capture the humble simplicity and deep faith represented by the hymn text. The hymn tune is heard three times in the piece - once with light accompaniment, once with traditional harmonization, and finally in a rich and powerful statement of victory and joy. All vocal parts are optional and cued in wind instruments. Commissioned by the St. Olaf Band, Northfield, Minn., Dr. Timothy Mahr, conductor, “Be Thou My Vision” was premiered on the bandŐs 1999 winter concert tour with the composer conducting. The Minnesota Symphonic Winds performed the work at the 2002 Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-winter Inservice Clinic, and the Northshore Concert Band performed the work at the 2005 Midwest Clinic. “Be Thou My Vision” has been released on the St. Olaf Band Dreams and Visions CD, available from St. Olaf Records, as well as recordings entitled In the Spring by the Concordia University (Nebraska) Wind Ensemble and American Patrol by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Now published by Boosey & Hawkes of New York, N.Y., and available through fine music stores everywhere! For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING ONLINE RECORDING ERRATA |
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 | Dawning Day (2006) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 5’30” Commissioned by the Falcon Ridge (Apple Valley, Minn.) Eighth Grade Band, the piece begins with a slow and expansive tune, gradually adding layers of harmony and counter-melody. A percussion swell and insistent eighth-note accompaniment introduce a faster, more animated melody, which continues even as the opening material returns simultaneously and drives towards a climactic finish. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Elegy (2009) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’30” “Elegy” was commissioned by a consortium of high school and university bands under the leadership of Mark J. Lakmann and Dr. Christopher Werner at La Crosse (Wisconsin) Logan and Central high schools, respectively. The premiere performance was given by the Logan High School Wind Symphony, with the composer conducting, on March 9, 2009. The work is dedicated with love, gratitude, and affection to the memory of the composer’s grandmother, Juanita Grimes (1922-2008). The piece serves as a companion to “Tribute,” written in memory of James Hubert Grimes (1920-2005). A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | NEW! Everlasting Light (2008) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’ Commissioned by the Miles Johnson Endowment for the St. Olaf Band, this piece premiered as the prelude to the 2008 St. Olaf Christmas Festival chapel service. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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The Further Adventures of the Cowboy Kid and His
Trusty Sidekick Carlos (2004) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 6’ Commissioned by the Farmington Middle School East 7th Grade Band, this programmatic work follows our hero, The Cowboy Kid, as he rides through the sleepy town of Cowboy City; attends a barn dance and waltzes with the lovely and talented Miss Annabelle; goes to Mexico in search of his nemesis, Dylan the Villain; and returns triumphantly home to the music of a parade. Click here to download the performance notes, which include descriptions of each of the musical scenes. A fun-filled selection that covers several different styles of movie-inspired music! A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Le vent de tristesse
(2002) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’ Commissioned by the Southeast Polk (Iowa) High School Concert Band, “Le vent de tristesse” is French for “the wind of sorrow.” An excellent and emotional piece for young high school bands! A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Looking at the Stars (2010) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’30” “Looking at the Stars” was commissioned by the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) Asian Middle School Honor Band and premiered at the American School Pudong in Shanghai, China, on January 31, 2010. “Looking at the Stars” is a celebration of the hope and possibility embodied by the students in the Asian Middle School Honor Band and the international schools they represent. Unabashedly diatonic, the work comprises a few simple motives and melodies that connect and overlap to create a musical expression of great joy. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Morning Song (2000) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’ The first sketches for “Morning Song” were composed as a setting of the short poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” The brilliant text by Robert Frost deals with the beauty and innocence of youth as described metaphorically in the golden colors of the early morning, and although the composer departed melodically from a direct setting of the text, his intent remained to describe musically the simple beauty of what Frost called “nature’s first green.” “Morning Song” was commissioned by the Valhalla Band, James Miller and Jayce Ogren, conductors, through the generous support of a grant from the St. Olaf College Student Organizations Committee. The piece was premiered by the Valhalla Band at Boe Memorial Chapel in Northfield, Minn., on May 15, 2000. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | NEW! Rizzendo (2008) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’ Commissioned by Center Area (Monaca, Pa.) High School, “Rizzendo” is dedicated to James M. Rizzo in honor of his retirement after 35 years of teaching. The piece celebrates the achievements and reflects on the extraordinary efforts of James M. Rizzo and other fine music educators like him who contribute so much to the lives of their students. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Short Essay (2003, rev. 2009) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’ Commissioned by the St. Ambrose University Symphony Band, this piece features driving rhythmic intensity and a charming melody. A great opener! A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | South Valley Fanfare (2002) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 1’30” Written for the first-ever Edina Honors Wind Symphony, an ensemble that brought together students from both South View Middle School and Valley View Middle School. A short, colorful, and rhythmic opener for young band! A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Things That Never Were (2010) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 3’30” Commissioned by the Eagan (Minn.) High School Wind Ensemble, Eagan High School Band Boosters, and Eagan High School Class of 2010 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Eagan High School. The work celebrates the vision of those who founded Eagan High School, the leadership of its first students, and the promise and potential of the current graduating class and those who will follow in the future. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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Tribute (2006) for symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’30” “Tribute” was commissioned by the Southwest Iowa Bandmasters Association and premiered by their 11-12 grade honor band on January 16, 2006, with the composer conducting. The piece begins with two statements of the main theme, presented first with relatively straightforward accompaniment and then with a descant in the upper woodwinds. A contrasting section features a lilting eighth-note motive that moves throughout the ensemble, leading to the climactic return of the main theme. A brief coda reprises both of the primary melodic ideas in alternating trumpet solos and brings the piece to a close. The Austin Symphonic Band performed the work at the 2007 Midwest Clinic, and the University of North Texas Wind Symphony released the work as part of the Teaching Music through Performance in Band series of reference recordings. Now published by Boosey & Hawkes of New York, N.Y., and available through fine music stores everywhere! For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Variations on a Welsh
Blessing (2001) for symphonic wind ensemble and piano approximate duration: 5’ Although commissioned and premiered by the Highview Middle School 8th Grade Band from Mounds View, Minn., “Variations on a Welsh Blessing” is suitable for many high school groups. The four variations on the hymn tune commonly known as “Go My Children” or “All Through the Night” feature a prominent piano part and enough interesting percussion writing to keep the entire section involved. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | When in Our Music (2010) for mixed chorus and symphonic wind ensemble approximate duration: 4’00” Commissioned by the Pleasant Valley (Iowa) High School Music Department in memory of Jana S. Witte, a lifelong musician and teacher who was choral accompanist for Pleasant Valley High School at the time of her tragic passing. Her family suggested a new setting of Fred Pratt Green's text to “When in Our Music God is Glorified,” and they asked for a composition that would celebrate the life, faith, and spirit of Jana S. Witte. The resulting work sets three stanzas of the text to an original tune. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. Choral octavos with piano reduction are also available. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Haste, ye Shepherds for soprano, baritone, and continuo by J.S. Bach transcribed for flute, bassoon, and chamber winds approximate duration: 5’ This air from the Christmas Oratorio has been arranged for many instruments with piano. This tasteful setting for chamber winds includes clarinet choir, oboes, horns, and string bass. Different solo instruments may be substituted. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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 | Agnus Dei (1999) for string orchestra and piano approximate duration: 4’ “Agnus Dei” was composed for the Anoka (Minn.) High School Concert Orchestra, Michael Halstenson, conductor, and premiered by that ensemble in October 1999. Based on a short choral setting of the “Lamb of God” text, this deeply emotional piece features mournful melodic writing and rich harmonic scoring throughout the entire string orchestra. A score and set of parts are available for only $75. For more information, email cross@theodoremusic.com. ONLINE RECORDING WEB-VIEWABLE SCORE |
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Travis J. Cross (b. 1977) is an assistant professor of music at Virginia Tech, where he conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting. He completed doctoral coursework at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where he studied with Mallory Thompson. He previously earned the bachelor of music degree cum laude in vocal and instrumental music education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and the master of music degree in conducting from Northwestern. Cross taught for four years at Edina (Minn.) High School, where he conducted two concert bands and oversaw the marching band program. In 2004, he was selected to participate in the inaugural Young Conductor/Mentor Project sponsored by the National Band Association. The same year he received the Distinguished Young Band Director Award from the American School Band Directors Association of Minnesota. From 2001-2003, Cross served a two-year term as the recent graduate on the St. Olaf College Board of Regents. In 2006, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the United States Department of Education. Cross contributed a chapter to volume four of Composers on Composing for Band, available from GIA Publications. His original works and arrangements for band, choir, and orchestra are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Daehn Publications, and Theodore Music. Current commissions include works for bands in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Virginia. He has appeared as a guest conductor, composer, and clinician in several states and at the Midwest Clinic and leads honor bands in Massachusetts, Virginia, and West Virginia during the 2011-2012 season. Click here to download a current curriculum vitae.
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