Joseph Vranas is the Artistic Director and conductor for the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles and works with youth orchestras and bands with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), Harmony Project, Saturday Conservatory of Music, and EduCare. He has previously conducted various chamber and new music ensembles such as the Old Main Brass Choir, the Eugene Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (ECCE), and the Pacific Artists Collective (PAC). With a staunch belief in the power of music education, Vranas spends most of his time providing after-school music instruction to youth in underprivileged communities. He has been recognized by the Pride Bands Alliance (PBA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and the City of Bell, CA for excellence in conducting and music education.

As a composer, Joseph has written for concert halls, ballet, film, and theatre with premieres across the US and internationally at the Cannes Film Festival. His music has also received commendations from the 48 Hour Film Competition, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, and the Bolivian Music Festival. Vranas’ concert works often include elements of dance and folklore in keeping with his passions for ballet and storytelling.

Vranas is a graduate from the University of Oregon with Master’s degrees in Composition and Trumpet Performance. Previously, he studied composition and music education at Sam Houston State University. He still performs in various ensembles and as a soloist on trumpet and horn. In his down time, Joseph is usually in the kitchen, recreating his favorite meals from cuisines from around the world.