BENJI BAKER
Benji Baker is an active performer, educator, and arranger in the percussive community throughout United States and Internationally. His performance career has seen multiple appearances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) with various ensembles and as a competitor in the marching competition. His arrangements have been performed by ensembles across the United States, including clients such as the University of North Texas Green Brigade and various successful high school band programs nationwide.
Benji’s drum corps experience includes the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-11) and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-15). He served as section leader for both ensembles and performed with SCV at PASIC in both 2012 and 2015. After aging out he served on staff with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician. Additionally he has served as front ensemble caption head and music designer for Roots Percussion Independent. He is currently the Front Ensemble Coordinator for Music City Drum and Bugle Corps from Nashville, TN.
In recent years Benji joined the cast of the Tony and Emmy Award winning Broadway Show, “Blast!” (www.blasttheshow.com). He has performed three tours in Japan with the company as “Percussion Swing” with regularly sold out crowds.
Benji had been fortunate enough to study with great percussionists such as Mark Ford, Paul Rennick, Sandi Rennick, Christopher Deane, Dr. Robert Schietroma, Dr. Eric Willie, Ed Smith, Jeff Ausdemore, and Ralph Hardimon. He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Texas Music Educators Association. Benji holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music Degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Benji is proud to be sponsored by Innovative Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Dynasty/Titan. He currently resides in The Colony, TX as a freelance performer and lesson teacher in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
For more information on Benji please visit his website: www.benjibakerpercussion.com