How Long with BBBC: Since 2000 (however, in and out several times since then). Regular since about 2010?
Home City: Fayetteville, AR
Countries Performed In: USA, Canada, England, Finland, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong
Principal Instrument: Euphonium
Other Instruments: Tuba
Where you might have heard me perform: Universities, conferences
What is special to me about the BBBC: Camaraderie in the band, community following
What is special to me about Battle Creek: Griffin Pub, BBBC board and local residents
Full Biography
Dr. Benjamin Pierce is a member of the music faculty at the University of Arkansas where he teaches applied tuba and euphonium and directs the tuba/euphonium ensemble. Ben holds a bachelors degree in euphonium performance from Bowling Green State University, a masters degree in euphonium performance from the University of Michigan, and a DMA in Tuba Performance from Michigan.
Ben has performed with several major ensembles including the Detroit Symphony, the Detroit Chamber Brass, the Brass Band of Battle Creek, the Toledo Symphony, and the Flint Symphony. He has frequently been a featured soloist with the Toledo Concert Band. He has served as principal tubist of the Ann Arbor Symphony and the Ann Arbor Brass Quintet and is currently principal tubist of the Northwest Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. He is also a founding member of Boston Mountain Brassworks and the University of Arkansas faculty brass quintet.
Ben has performed several guest recitals and master classes in the United States and abroad. He has also performed concerti with numerous international ensembles, including the Tokyo Symphony, the Oulu Symphony of Finland, and the Friuli Veneziano Giulia Symphony Orchestra of northern Italy.
Competition Achievements
Winner, Markneukirchen International Tuba Competition (2008)
Winner, Lieksa Brass Week Euphonium Competition (2004)
Winner, ITEC Solo Tuba Artist Competition (2002)
Winner, University of Michigan Graduate Concerto Competition (2002)
Grand Prize, Japan Wind and Percussion Competition: Tuba (2001)
Winner, Leonard Falcone International Tuba Artist Competition (2001)
Winner, Lansing Matinee Musicale Orchestral Brass Competition (2001)
Winner, International Women’s Brass Conference Euphonium Competition (2000)
Winner, Royal Northern College of Music International Open Euphonium Competition (2000)
Winner, Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Artist Competition (1998)
Winner, ITEC Solo Euphonium Artist Competition (1998)
Winner, ITEC Mock Band Audition Competition: Euphonium (1998)
Grand Prize, Music Teachers National Association Competition for Brass (1998)