A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mr. Travis J. Mason is the son of Barbara and Gerald Crutchfield. He graduated with honors from Belaire High School in 2018, where he served as Band Captain, Senior Class President in the Student Government Association, and received numerous accolades, including Bandsman of the Year, Highest Male Marcher, and Most Outstanding Camper during Alcorn State University’s High School Band Camps in 2016 and 2017.
Mason earned the Bachelor of Music Education degree with honors from Alcorn State University in 2022. While at Alcorn, he continued to excel as a musician and leader, receiving recognition as Bandsman of the Year, Most Outstanding Freshman, Woodwind Player of the Year, and Section Leader for three consecutive years. He also served as Mr. Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite and was Band Captain during his college tenure. Mason consistently earned spots in the top Wind Ensemble, showcasing his talent as one of the finest musicians on his principal instruments.
Currently, Mason gives back to his alma mater, Alcorn State University, through his roles as a Residential Community Coordinator and Director of Woodwinds on the university’s band staff. In these capacities, he mentors students both academically and musically, ensuring they thrive in and out of the classroom. Mason also plays an integral role as Director of Student Academics, where he founded Maestros of Excellence, a groundbreaking organization set to launch in Spring 2025, focused on uplifting young musicians through mentorship, academic support, and community service initiatives. Additionally, he is Co-Advisor to the Iota Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and the Theta Gamma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
Mason’s contributions extend beyond the university. He has participated in and led numerous community service initiatives, such as toy drives, canned food drives, and water drives. During the 2021 ice storm, he worked alongside his fraternity to ensure students had access to food and water. He also volunteers with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, distributes care packages to the less fortunate, and offers private music lessons to rising musicians.
Mason’s performance career highlights include performing internationally in Normandy, France, with Belaire High School for the 2017 D-Day celebrations, and participating in three Celebration Bowls with Alcorn State University’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. As a member of Southern University’s Human Jukebox, he performed with renowned artists such as Fantasia Barrino, Fredo Bang, David Banner, Lil Boosie, and Real Boston Richey.
Mason’s exceptional leadership and musical accomplishments have earned him a host of awards throughout his career, including: Bandsman of the Year in both high school and college, Highest Male Marcher, Most Outstanding Freshman, Woodwind Player of the Year, and Most Outstanding Camper. He also led as Section Leader for saxophone in high school and piccolo in college for three consecutive years.
Mason is a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He is also a member and founder of Kappa Phi Kappa Music Organization Incorporated | Alpha Chapter, where he serves as Director of Service and Membership Intake Coordinator. He is a member of several other prestigious professional and social organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (Alpha Zeta Chapter, Spring 2020), Gamma Theta Rho Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Phi Epsilon International Professional Music Fraternity (Beta Zeta Chapter, Fall 2022), and Sigma Alpha Pi | The National Society of Leadership and Success. He has held key leadership roles such as Chapter President, Vice President, and Membership Intake Coordinator across multiple organizations.
Mr. Travis J. Mason’s dedication to music, education, and community service continues to inspire those around him. His work as a mentor, educator, and leader ensures his impact will resonate for generations to come.