Biography
Ben Dondanville is an undergraduate student at The University of Southern Mississippi pursuing a degree in trombone performance and composition studies. A low brass player, he is currently studying with Dr. Ben McIlwain and has also studied with Nick Laufer and Rick Palmiter. Dondanville has completed the 91 Classical Radio Student Composer Fellowship under Cristina Spenei, the Myra Jackson Blair Scholar program at Blair Academy. He has performed as part of the Macy's Great American Marching Band, at The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts Honors Recital, and as part of The University of Southern Mississippi Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. In addition to low brass, Dondanville uses his piano and guitar knowledge to aid his music writing. He has written for many great trombonists, such as Jeremy Wilson, Nick Laufer, and Ben McIlwain, and had a piece conducted by Joseph Alessi. Most of his works focus on chamber ensembles and soloists, but he also has some works for wind ensembles and orchestras. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue his art of composition further.
