Ben is a native of Ankeny, Iowa. Inspired by the excellent teaching he experienced while in the Blue Devils 'A' corps, Ben aspired to replicate that excellence, and to create a phenomenal teaching persona of his own. After graduating with a degree in Music Education from Iowa State University, he moved to California to work with the Blue Devils ‘B’ corps. A few years later he received the opportunity to help out with Blue Devils ‘C’ Corps. He now serves as Brass Caption Head. His goal is always to challenge what anyone thinks is possible for 8-14 year olds to do on a marching field. Ben LOVES training students to pursue excellence in musical and marching performance.

Ben lives in San Francisco with his husband Patrick and dog Victor. He works as a full-time elementary band and orchestra teacher for Hayward Schools in Hayward, California, and part time music arranger for bay area marching bands.