Dana C. R. Gress earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition and Film Scoring from University of Southern California, where he studied with Frank Ticheli. He also holds a Master of Education from Westminster College. Commissioned by both professional and educational ensembles, his works include jazz and modern instrumental and vocal works. Mr. Gress is a recording artist on alto saxophone with Chill FX on My Heart Records and a professional jazz pianist. He is currently Music Teacher at Roberts Elementary and Crissman Elementary in the Utica Community Schools District where he is also Co-Director of the UCS Elementary Honors Choir. Additionally, he is Choir Director and Accompanist at Friendship Baptist Church in Detroit. He resides in Sterling Heights, Michigan with his wife, Angela, and his three children, all of whom attend UCS schools.