Ben grew up in Andover, Massachusetts. He spent his high school years with trombonist, Phil Wilson. During his summers, he studied with German trombonist Jiggs Whigham. After attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ben moved to Oregon and completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz at Portland State University. He spent seven years teaching at Portland's Wilson High School and then started PYJO (the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra) with his wife Michelle. PYJO now has four bands for ages 12-23. Ben currently gigs on trombone, trumpet and bass in all styles of music.