MM, Virginia Commonweath University, Music Education BM, Longwood University, Music Education, Clarinet Primary Virginia Teaching Licensure, PK-12 Instrumental Music 2007-2012 Wisconsin Teaching Licensure, PK-12 Instrumental Music
Awards:
2011-2012- VCU Music Department Graduate Merit Scholarship
2010- Performed with Grammy Award winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal as part of the Aaron Noe All Stars Big Band and the Eric Marienthal Quintet.
2009- Performed with Grammy Award winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal as a part of the Eric Marienthal Quintet
2007- Performed with jazz legend James Moody as a part of the Aaron Noe All Stars Big Band
2006- UNC-Wilmington Jazz Festival- Outstanding Performer on Electric Bass
Overview:
Ben holds a BM in Music Education (PreK-12 Instrumental) from Longwood University and an MM in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. While he majored in clarinet and performs primarily on bass outside of the concert band world, Ben is a multi-instrumentalist, performing with numerous ensembles on a number of different instruments. Past credits include the Mid-Atlantic Wind Symphony (principal clarinet, bass clarinet), Aaron Noë All-Stars (electric and upright bass), Christian Youth Theater (electric and upright bass), Fredericksburg Academy Players (bass, drumset, guitar, auxiliary percussion), and the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra (clarinet, bass clarinet, timpani/aux. percussion).
Ben has a wide variety of educational experience. His busy career so far has included conducting top level concert bands, jazz ensembles, orchestras, pit orchestras, and chamber groups during his tenure in public and private schools and camps in Virginia and Wisconsin. Ben is also an in-demand clinician, presenting clinics and performances for Gerald Veasley’s Bass Bootcamp, The Virginia Bass Forum, and various schools and lesson programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and southeast Wisconsin. Ben maintains a small but thriving private studio of guitar, bass, clarinet, and theory students in Milwaukee and via Skype.
Since 2005, Ben has developed a reputation as a first-call jazz, blues, fusion, and rock bassist. He has shared the stage with the late great tenor saxophonist James Moody, Grammy Award-Winning alto saxophonist Eric Marienthal, John DeSalme (tenor sax, US Army Blues), and Duffy Jackson (drums). He has also opened for Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Edwin McCain Band, and Chase Rice. Ben has been an integral member of bands playing events ranging from inaugural balls to state fairs to Wisconsin’s Summerfest Music Festival.
EXPERIENCE
I've been teaching private lessons on multiple instruments since 2001. I teach beginning thru advanced levels on electric bass, clarinet, and jazz theory. I teach beginning thru intermediate levels on guitar and most other wind band instruments (flute, sax, etc.). I was the Director of Bands (grades 5-12), Technical Theater Director, and Chair of the Creative and Performing Arts Department at Fredericksburg Academy, and independent school in Fredericksburg, VA from 2007-2013. I am also an active professional performer, primarily on electric bass but also including guitar, clarinet, trombone, and drumset. Regardless of how work with students, I believe that a well rounded foundation in music is the key to success.
METHODS USED
I meet students where they are, regardless of age and whether in individual or group settings, and establish a plan to get them where they need to be. The process is then made as challenging and yet fun as possible so that students enjoying exploring facets of themselves they would otherwise not know were there through the study and practice of music. Each student is different, and I cater to each student's individual needs.
LESSON STYLE
When working in private lessons, I work with each student to set goals, both long and short term. I then assume the role of a guide whenever possible, rather than an authoritarian figure, so that sudents can discover concepts for themselves vs. having the information given to them. When students discover the concepts for themselves, they tend to understand them much better because they have learned them through practical use. I tend to be on the sarcastic side, which creates a bit of a loose, fun environment where mistakes aren't something to be feared, but something to be learned from.
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