Adjudicator & AoBBA Member

Benjamin's passion for ensemble music arose in his teens as he became principal trumpet of the National Youth Orchestra of France, principal cornet of the European Youth Brass Band, principal trumpet of the European Union Youth Wind Orchestra and guest soprano cornet with the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland.

After completing his Professional Diploma in trumpet performance in his native Eastern France, he made the move to the UK to further his musical skills at the University of Salford. He was awarded the University's prizes in Solo Performance ('Harry Mortimer'), Ensemble Performance and Conducting under the tuition of Howard Evans, Peter Graham, David King and the late Roy Newsome.

Since reaching the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award in 2010, Benjamin has enjoyed a successful career as a soloist with some of the world’s top brass bands, including YBS (now Hammonds Saltaire), Grimethorpe Colliery, Stavanger, Fairey, Paris and Black Dyke bands. His four year tenure as the soprano cornet player of Black Dyke saw him record over 20 albums and accomplish the 2014-15 ‘Triple’ – winning the British Open, National and European championships consecutively.

Benjamin now works as a teacher and professional trumpeter in a diverse multitude of ensembles and genres – from classical to jazz, pop and musical theatre. His playing career has led him to perform in some of the finest concert venues, including the UK's Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury Festival's Pyramid Stage as well as extensively across Europe, Japan and New York City.