Oakland native, Gabe Cruz has been an active performer and teacher in the Bay Area for over a decade. On weekends, Gabe can be seen performing with groups like the San Francisco Symphony, Opera and Ballet orchestras. When he isn’t sitting on stage or in the pit, he can be found teaching at schools, privately, or coaching brass sections of marching bands or youth orchestras.

 

Music has given Gabe the opportunity to tour the United States, Europe and South America with different orchestras and chamber groups. He has had the privilege of performing with the Chicago Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, and the Virginia Symphony. Gabe’s love for chamber music equals his love for the orchestra which is why he can be heard on albums by the International Low Brass Trio and New York Festival Brass Quintet.

 

As an educator, Gabe is passionate about sharing what he has learned in his experiences. His teaching career can be traced back to when he was in high school, aiding his beginning band class during his free period. While attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, he joined the Conservatory in the Schools program which allowed him to teach groups and individuals at numerous middle and high schools here in San Francisco. Since graduating from SFCM, he has taught privately and organized outreach performances for schools in New York’s Hudson Valley. Gabe frequently asked to coach brass sections of SF Symphony Youth Orchestra, Golden State Youth Orchestra, and the Friends of Falun Gong marching band. He is also on Faculty at the AlhamaBrass Festival during the summers in Southern Spain.