Robert Benton

Dr. Robert Benton, a compelling performer in the emerging generation of euphoniumists, is currently a teacher of music theory and applied tuba and euphonium at the University of Windsor, as well as tuba and euphonium at Adrian college. An avid educator, Robert also maintains a private studio of area high school students. His primary educational influences have been Kenneth Kroesche, Steven Mead, Phil Sinder, and Fritz Kaenzig.

As a performer, Robert has been active as a recitalist and concerto soloist throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Europe and Asia. He has recently performed concerti with the Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra, the Jeju Philharmonic Orchestra (Korea), the Capital City Brass Band and his own military unit, the 338th Army Band. As an ensemble musician, Robert has enjoyed close relationships with the Michigan State University Wind Symphony and the University of Michigan Symphony Band, and is a regular substitute with the world-famous Brass Band of Battle Creek.

Robert has been an invited soloist at various international music conferences, including the International Tuba Euphonium conference in Linz, Austria; The US Army Band Tuba Euphonium Workshop; and the International Women's Brass Conference as well as other regional conferences. Robert received the Stanley Hollingsworth Overseas Study Grant which enabled him to travel to Manchester, England to study with the world-renowned euphoniumist, Steven Mead.

Devoted to new music, Robert is active in commissioning and premiering new works for the euphonium in a variety of mediums. Recent commissioning projects include works by Joel Puckett, Ricardo Lorenz, Steven Bryant and Peter Meechan. Several of these pieces have been recorded on his debut CD, Mirrors. In addition to this activity, Robert also has published a variety of transcriptions for all the brass instruments. Most recently, he published a collection of 30 Vocalise-Études (many by well-known composers of the day) which were composed for the vocal students of the early 20th century Paris Conservatory.

Robert's plans for the future are to promote the euphonium as a solo instrument not only through concerts, competitions, recitals and recordings, but also by training the next generation of tubists and euphoniumists as a teacher at the university level.

Robert Benton is a Buffet-Crampon/Besson USA Performing Artist and Clinician.