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EXTENDED BIOGRAPHY
Ben is a Wrexham-based freelance trumpeter, composer, conductor and educator, widely respected for his extensive experience across orchestral, brass band, and commercial settings, with a strong commitment to collaborative music-making and music education.
Hailing from Wrexham, North Wales, Ben began learning the clarinet aged 9 under the local peripatetic music service. At the age of 11 Ben started to have trumpet lessons after being introduced to the trumpet from a young age by his Taid, who was a trumpet player himself. Shortly afterwards, he began his journey with both orchestral and brass band performance, progressing through the various youth ensembles, including the North Wales Youth Orchestra, for which he was principal trumpet in 2019. During that same year he gained a place in the National Youth Brass Band of Wales for the first time.
Ben started his competitive brass band journey when he joined Porthywaen Silver Band in 2016, before later joining Ifton Colliery Band (now City of City of Wrexham Brass Band) in early 2019. In 2018, Ben made his debut with the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, and has been involved with the orchestra ever since.
Ben began studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2019, studying trumpet performance under the tutelage of Ross Brown and also studying cornet with Tom Hutchinson in his final year. During his time in Cardiff, Ben was involved in several ensembles, including Markham and District Brass Band, the Cardiff Chamber Orchestra, where he was principal trumpet, and he also had a successful 4 years with the City of Cardiff Melingriffith (M1) brass band, with whom he competed at the National Brass Band Championship finals at the Royal Albert Hall.
It was during his time at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama that Ben found his passion for composing and arranging, which he studied in his final two years under the tutelage of Lynne Plowman. During this same time, Ben collaborated with Wells Cathedral School, contributing to the music for thier side-by-side projects with the world-renowned Cory Band. Since then, his music has been performed regularly in 12 countries across 4 continents!
Upon graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2023, Ben moved back home to North Wales. Since moving back, Ben has re-joined the trumpet section of the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra full time, and also joined Northop Silver Band. He also regularly plays for a variety of other ensembles as a freelance musician, including funk bands, indie bands, jazz bands, oompah bands, orchestras, and soul bands!
In 2025, Ben expanded into conducting, taking on the role of Musical Director for Northop Community Band, followed by Northop Brass. Being a member of the senior band of the organisation, Northop Silver Band, he brings both familiarity and experience to his leadership within the organisation.