Ben Kessler

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Ben Kessler is an active saxophonist and music educator in Austin, Texas. He regularly plays with the Vintage 15 Big Band and is a founding member of the Austin Saxophone Ensemble, where he also serves as the group’s Financial Director. Ben has also performed with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Round Top Festival Orchestra. As a recording artist, Ben can be heard on albums on the Naxos, University Records, Austin Saxophone, and Hollywood Records labels. 

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As an avid proponent of contemporary chamber and large ensemble music, Ben has commissioned, premiered, and recorded new works by Dan Welcher, Donald Grantham, Cater Pann, John Makey, Kevin Puts, Steve Bryant, John Mills, Jack Wilds, Chris Ozley, Michael Mikulka, and David Adams. Benjamin can also be seen and heard in the 2009 film Bandslam and on the motion picture soundtrack. Ben is passionate about music and saxophone education. He has a large private studio in Austin, TX, regularly presents master classes and coaches student chamber ensembles, and was formerly a Lecturer of Saxophone at Texas A&M University- Kingsville. 

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Ben completed his Master’s degree and other degrees in Saxophone Performance at the University of Texas at Austin where he studied under Harvey Pittel and served as the saxophone studio Teaching Assistant. His other teachers include John Mills and Ron Jones