Home » Jazz Musicians » Benje Daneman

Benje Daneman

New York City based trumpeter, Benje Daneman, was inspired at a young age by the stories of songwriters of all genres from folk to rock to pop. After falling in love with the world of jazz as a teen, it began to become very clear that his initial musical upbringing had merged with his newfound passion – setting the stage for a deep desire and pursuit to create clear stories and emotions through his music as a performer and composer.

A sought after musician for his personal approach, creative musicality and strong versatility, Daneman got his start professionally in 2007 on a national tour with with Doc Severinsen’s Big Band. Since then he has performed with the world renowned Jose Limon Dance Ensemble, recorded for the Grammy nominated album "Elevation" (HMI Big Band) and has appeared as both a leader and sideman at prestigious venues across the country including The Kennedy Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, FONT (Festival of New Trumpet) Music Festival and The Iridium. As a composer/arranger, he has received commissions from the United States Air Force Band (in Europe), Dr. Steve Zegree, Spark and Echo Arts and Lutheran Music Missions.

His 2015 Artist in Residence for Spark and Echo Arts, is the catalyst for one of his newest projects called Search Party which approaches faith topics through original music, with a band including some of the top musicians on the jazz scene today, including Ike Sturm, Jon Cowherd, Jaimeo Brown and Ashley Daneman. Another new project of Daneman’s, Life Stories, calls upon his deep interest and history in musical storytelling by musically creating a personal and unique experience for the audience by aurally recreating true stories of people, places and events. Daneman’s 2013 EP release Estelle’s Farewell Gift features all original compositions featuring Jeremy Siskind, Ashley Daneman and Andrew Rathbun and has been described as “Simple songs that open doors to complex reactions” (David Sumner, Bird Is The Worm).

A Teaching Artist for the New York Pops, Daneman is a passionate educator and has led clinics and workshops throughout the country at such institutions as McNally Smith College, Western Michigan University, Concordia University and for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. He is also the co-director of the Jazz & Creative Institute (http://www.jcinstitute.org), which has a mission to inspire artistic development and cultivate creative entrepreneurship for all levels of creative musicians. Benje has attended and holds degrees from Western Michigan University, The Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY).

Read more

Tags

"... a fine improviser on both trumpet and flugelhorn, but also a distinguished composer." (South Bend Tribune)

"Simple songs that open doors to complex reactions." (David Sumner, Bird is the Worm)

"One of the rare chances in recent memory to hear world-class, big- city, intimate jazz." (Jazz Notes, West Michigan Jazz Society)

Primary Instrument

Trumpet

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Teaching a busy private studio for over ten years, Benje is a personal and inspiring educator. He has taught all ages and levels of students, from five years old to senior citizens; from the first time player to professionals. He teaches in person in New York City, but also teaches online lessons all across the globe. Benje holds an undergraduate degree in music education from Western Michigan University.

Clinic/Workshop Information

A NY Pops Teaching Artist, Benje is sought after clinician and adjudicator all across the nation, Benje has taught all levels and ages of musicians

Read more

Music

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.