BENJAMIN DEAN TAYLOR, composer

Benjamin Dean Taylor is a composer of contemporary concert music. His energetic, adventurous music provides a uniquely refreshing sonic experience for performers and audiences alike. Trained as a trumpet player and pianist, he performs with and writes music for a variety of chamber ensembles, jazz combos and big bands, wind bands, orchestras, choirs, and experimental ensembles. Much of Taylor's music includes electronic elements - from prerecorded sounds to live, interactive electronics and video.

NEW Flex/Adaptable works for ensemble (Band or Orchestra)

Each of these works is written or arranged specifically for our unprecedented times surrounding the COVID19 pandemic. It is my hope that we can empower the rising generation to make meaningful and engaging music together, whether that be virtually or in small groups in-person. My work with Music Creators Academy has shown me that this is not only possible but offers many benefits and advantages not previously available. All of these works are for flexible instrumentation with electronic audio track. They are ideal for students to put together using a platform like bandlab.com or soundtrap.com. I sincerely hope you and your students enjoy them!

Music Creator's Academy - Virtual Summer Music Camp

I'm so proud to have worked with such wonderful students and composers! This project gave me a focus for my creative energy during this tumultuous time for music making.

Educators, please check out this FREE SYMPOSIUM where we at MCA will be sharing our lessons learned this summer! We hope our experience can benefit you as you plan for the fall semester and beyond. The title of our session is, "Creating Music with a Virtual Ensemble."

Yes! We performed music live on Zoom! Check out the final concert recording here

Techno Blade featured in Scotland

Techno Blade (for concert band and audio track) was featured at the Scottish Learning Festival at the Scottish Exhibition Centre. An incredibly talented young dancer named Ellie Fergusson choreographed a solo to go along with the music! Ellie recently won The Greatest Dancer which is a popular televised dance program in the U.K. Thank you Ellie, and all the students in the West Calder High School Senior Wind Band and their director, Camille Mason. So fun! Video of the performance is here:
https://youtu.be/aCcke5s2Kw4

New Jazz Big Band Chart - Can I See Your Socks?

My first big band chart specifically written for high school.
This piece features a sax soli and plenty of solo space on a basic extended blues form. It has made me a convert to wearing fancy dress socks!

The Hope Within - Indiana University

AURUM TETRA - Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra

Check out this great article/interview by Audrey Kelly!
https://bellinghamfestivalblog.org/2017/05/11/aurum-tetra-2017-world-premiere/

I'm thrilled to collaborate with the Calidore String Quartet and the Bellingham Festival of Music, Michael Palmer, artistic director, on my newest orchestral work titled, "Aurum Tetra." The Concerto is in three movements totaling 23 minutes in duration. The premiere occured on July 1, 2017 in Bellingham, WA. This work was funded in part by the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University. Recording is here

MIDWEST CLINIC 2018

I'm excited to announce the formation of BLUE DOT COLLECTIVE (five young composers writing fresh music for wind band). We will be at Midwest this year after a very successful launch last year.

bluedotcollective.com

Seeds of Glass Video

Video - Stop.Rewind.Play.

Performed by Erin Yanacek

Recording of Shipbreaking by consortium member Ian Richter

European Premiere - Digital Goldfish

Digital Goldfish was performed at the Scandinavian Saxophone Festival on Thursday, April 17 at 19:30h (Danish time) at Musikhuset in Aarhus/Denmark. The ensemble consisted of:
Claus Olesen - Soprano saxophone
Joonatan Rautiola - Alto saxophone
Martin Eriksson - Tenor saxophone
Johannes Thorell - Baritone saxophone