Ben, 13, plays the bass clarinet in the Kilmer Symphonic Band. Regarded by his peers as one of the finest and most intelligent musicians in the Kilmer program, Ben can frequently be heard playing through excerpts from his favorite orchestral works and can be counted on to have the answer to just about any musical question posed during rehearsal.

Ben began his musical study in early elementary school on the piano. Upon enrolling in the Colvin Run Elementary band, he switched his private study to the clarinet with Mr. Charles Kelly, who he continues to take lessons with today. When not playing with the Kilmer Band, Ben enjoys performing in solo festivals, charity concerts, and as background music for his parents and their friends at social events. He notes that his favorite performance to date was a rendition of Hora Havalya for Klezmer clarinet with accordion accompaniment.

Achievements like Superior ratings in solo festivals and being selected for the VBODA Region 12 Middle School Honor Band as a 7^th grader are just the tip of the iceberg for Ben. One of his most recent and significant musical accomplishments comes from his participation this summer at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp (formerly the National Music Camp) in Michigan. Ben held the position of 3^rd chair soprano clarinet in the Intermediate Wind Symphony, comprised of some of the nation’s finest young musicians and several international students.

In addition to a highly structured practice regime, Ben’s musical talents are supplemented by his affinity for listening to great music whenever possible. He credits David Schifrin, one the nation’s preeminent clarinetists, as his favorite performer on his instrument. At the top of Ben’s list of favorite composers are figures like Beethoven, Mozart and Mahler; however, he doesn’t leave The Beatles, Queen or Guns n’ Roses far behind.

Ben certainly has a bright future ahead, his musical achievements complimented by academic credentials like serving as editor of the Colvin Run Elementary literary magazine and receiving the History Award from the Voyagers Team at Kilmer. Though he claims to have “absolutely no idea whatsoever” yet for his career plans, he admits that he could see himself playing the clarinet professionally.