Composer
As a composer, Ben’s work spans multiple genres and has garnered significant attention. Prestigious ensembles have performed his music, including the USM Trombone Octet, the USM Wind Ensemble, and the Indiana State Wind Ensemble. As an arranger, Ben has created a diverse range of work for brass ensembles, trombone ensembles, and marching bands.
Trombonist
Ben Dondanville is a skilled and versatile bass trombonist. He has performed with the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Alabama’s Trombone Ensembles. Ben also showcases his talents as a soloist through solo recitals
New Consortium Project!
This new consortium is for bass trombone, tenor voice, and piano. Alex Handley is leading the consortium, and Hutson Rollins and Ben Dondanville are co-writing the piece using the text from “The Hollow Men” by T.S Eliot.
“When Dreams Take Flight”
"When Dreams Take Flight" was written for the 2022 Southern Miss Trombone Day. The Premiere was conducted by Joseph Alessi and performed by Jeremy Wilson, Nick Laufer, Ben McIlwain, and the USM trombone choir. It is a very high-energy, spirited work for a featured trombone trio accompanied by a trombone choir. It features fast and syncopated sections, as well as singing, lyrical melodies.
See more about the piece: here
Featured - Sycamore Fanfare
for Brass Ensemble
"Sycamore Fanfare" was written for the Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival. This piece is an exciting fanfare for an advanced brass ensemble. The work contains a few melodies traditional to Indiana and many new ones.
See more about the piece: here