Biography
Ben Dondanville is an accomplished composer, arranger, and trombonist. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance with a focus on bass trombone at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studies under Dr. Ben McIlwain. A talented and versatile musician, Ben is gaining recognition for his innovative compositions, exceptional performances, and leadership within the music community.
A native of Thompson's Station, Tennessee, Ben's musical journey began at a young age. During high school, he was awarded the Myra Jackson Blair Senior Scholarship to attend Blair Academy, where he excelled in advanced music theory and history and performed with the Curb Youth Symphony. Additionally, he won the 91 Classical Student Composer Fellowship in 2020, studying under renowned composer Cristina Spinei.
As a composer, Ben's work spans multiple genres and has garnered significant attention. His compositions have been praised for their emotional depth and technical intricacy. Prestigious ensembles have performed his compositions, including the USM Trombone Octet, the USM Wind Ensemble, and the Indiana State Wind Ensemble. Notable works include When Dreams Take Flight (2021), which received its world premiere conducted by Joseph Alessi, and 3 Sketches for Wind Ensemble (2024), which the USM Wind Ensemble performed. Ben has also been invited as a guest composer for various prestigious ensembles. Notably, he participated in a residency with the Indiana State Wind Ensemble as part of the Indiana State Contemporary Music Festival in 2023. During this residency, he composed Sycamore Fanfare, which received its world premiere at the festival. Ben spent a day working with the ensemble, sharing his creative process and contributing to the festival’s exploration of contemporary brass and wind band repertoire. Ben's talents as an arranger are equally impressive. He has created a diverse range of arrangements for brass ensembles, marching bands, and trombone quartets.
Beyond composition and arranging, Ben is an active performer and leader. As a bass trombonist, he has performed with the USM Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Lab Band 1, with notable appearances including works by Stravinsky, Mahler, and Holst. As a soloist, he has been featured in recitals at USM, showcasing his proficiency in both classical and contemporary trombone repertoire. Ben is also a section leader in the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and has performed extensively with the USM Trombone Choir and Octet.
Ben's leadership extends beyond performance and composition. He founded the 12-Tone Brass Ensemble in his high school years, organizing and leading annual Christmas performances. He has also served as the president of the Eta Phi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, overseeing the chapter's operations and fostering a strong sense of community among its members.
Ben's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his own business, Ben Dondanville Music, where he has successfully composed, published, and arranged nearly 20 original works. His business has also allowed him to collaborate with other musicians and provide commissioned works for individuals and consortium projects.
A highly proficient user of music notation software such as Dorico, Finale, and Musescore, as well as digital audio workstations like Cakewalk and Pro Tools, Ben seamlessly blends technology with artistry in his compositions and arrangements.
Ben Dondanville continues to make significant contributions to the music world as both a creator and performer, using his exceptional skills, passion for music, and dedication to his craft.
