ORCHESTRA

Ernesto Cruz, is a native Angelino who graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a Bachelor in Music in Clarinet Performance and earned his Master in Fine Arts degree in Clarinet Performance from the California Institute of the Arts. His mentors include Dr. Julia Heinen, William Powell, Vinny Golia, Allen Vogel, and Mark Menzies.

He is an active freelance musician and private instructor teaching in the southern California area. He has taught in the Hart School District and currently has a private studio. Ernesto has performed with the Landmark Opera, Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, LLS Symphony Orchestra, and other ensembles in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Ernesto serves as Director of Latin American Music Regional Ensemble at CSU- Dominguez Hills. The ensemble is currently focusing on Musica de Oaxaca. In addition, Ernesto is a clinician for community bands, to help preserve and learn traditional music of Oaxaca. In addition, Ernesto is the co-founder of Clarinervium, a clarinet ensemble that performs work by Mexican-American, Oaxaqueños, and Latin-American composers. Ernesto is also a member of VENTVM QVINTET, a woodwind quintet based in the Los Angeles area.