Because of many profound and important friends, mentors and influences in his life, Mr. Crystal has dedicated himself to performing and teaching music. Starting with his tenure as a percussionist in the prestigious Hemet High School Instrumental Music Program, Mr. Crystal performed throughout the country and around the world with the Jazz and Wind Ensembles including tours of Europe and Japan with stops at the Montreaux and Playboy Jazz Festivals. His time at Hemet under the direction of Jeff Tower inspired him to pursue music education as a profession studying at the University of Southern California with Jeff Hamilton, Ndugu Chancler, John Clayton and Shelly Berg. Graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education, Mr. Crystal taught at Burke Middle School in Pico Rivera and then Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley while working towards his Masters of Music degree in Conducting through the American Band College at Southern Oregon University. While at SOU, Mr. Crystal was again fortunate enough to have the benefit of some very important and respected teachers and conductors, such as Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Robert W. Smith, Col. John Bourgeious and Johan De Meij, among others. As a teacher in Newbury Park, Mr. Crystal is privileged to share his joy of music with the students here and works daily to provide them with the same inspiration and opportunities that have helped to shape his life.