Relocating to Rocklin from San Jose in 2004, William Jessup University became Sacramento’s first private four-year university, as well as the pioneering evangelical Christian college between the cities of Fresno and Redding. Ever since, the school has grown in numbers and programs, as has its reputation for spotlighting leadership, community, and spiritual support for both students and faculty. 

The college’s music department follows suit, housing the larger University Choir and Orchestra, as well as a smaller group of auditioned students, coined Crossroads. The ensemble is almost entirely student-run, as the group’s leader passes along the freedom to arrange and perform original, classic and popular music of today. The students are taught not only practical skills to prepare them for careers in the music industry, but also technological advances — setting the program octaves above what other colleges might offer.  

“By and large, the creativity of the group lies in the hands of the students,” says Performing and Visual Arts Division chair and leader of Crossroads, Tom Ruscica. “They get hands-on experience in creating music that is relevant and representative of what’s happening today in the music industry.” 

 Ruscica has directed Crossroads since its inception in 2012 and although he offers his guidance and expertise during weekly meetings, two student leaders are chosen each year to create the musical arrangements, run rehearsals and schedule performances. Throughout the school year, the group performs at a variety of local music venues, churches and events—even having sung the National Anthem at the opening of both a Sacramento Kings and River Cats game.

“Certainly my musicality has improved, working with extremely creative individuals whose intense passion for music inspires and fuels your own,” says student co-leader Aurora Eagen. “Yet I also feel I’ve matured in things you might not expect from a music group—such as improvement in my leadership ability, growth in emotional intelligence and the gaining of technical knowledge.”

In addition to outside performances, Crossroads spends much of their year preparing for the William Jessup’s highly anticipated annual Christmas concert series, Celebrate Christmas. The ensemble has also been featured on five studio-quality albums singing not only holiday favorites but also original arrangements comprised of trendy musical instruments such as banjos and mandolins, while incorporating techniques like background loops.   

  “The issue of bringing relevance to music education is a large part of the music department’s mission,” says Ruscica. “This is demonstrated through Crossroads’ repertoire changing year to year to reflect the latest styles used in the music industry, including the incorporation of technology in live performance. They also come up with their own arrangements and original music, which pushes their songwriting skills.” 

Even though there are student leaders, every member of Crossroads is considered a leader within the music department, where focus is placed on training each student to be able to lead their peers with the skills needed for whatever facet of the industry they choose to go into. 

“Crossroads has helped me grow as a musician in ways I never imagined,” says student co-leader Leila Reeder-Esparza. “I’m so grateful for the impact it has had on my life; as a student leader, it’s been so amazing to help people figure out what they want to accomplish and then help them do it!”

jessupmusic.com