About
Benjamin Sledge is a freelance musician, theorist, music educator, and activist in Raleigh, NC. He received a B.M. in Music Theory/Composition and a B.M. in Music Performance from East Carolina University in 2016, a Graduate Certificate in Counseling from North Carolina State University in 2019, and is currently perusing a Masters in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair State University. Presently he is the Raleigh Site Manager with Kidznotes, an organization that changes the life trajectory of underserved students in our community through the power of music education. Most recently he has been the Associate Conductor for the North Carolina Film Orchestra and the Director of Instrumental Music at Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale, NC, where he actively composed, directed, performed, and engaged in research involving educational techniques and new explorations in the world of music theory. He has also been a rehearsal pianist and assistant to the music director at the North Carolina Theatre, Conductor with the North Carolina Film Orchestra, and collaborative pianist for Music FUNatic.
Being heralded as “mesmerizing” and “powerful” by critics and concert goers, Ben is a soloist and avid performer of 20th and 21st century music, performing in solo recitals and along side some of the biggest names in New Music including Miranda Cuckson, Sarah Brady, Fred Sherry, and Barry Crawford. He has been an invited performer to the Cicada Consort Charity Concert Marathon, The Cortona Sessions, The Wellesley Contemporary Performance Institute, The NEON Festival, the National Flute Association Convention, and several recordings for the North Carolina New Music Initiative. He has been a finalist for the American Prize in Solo Instrumental Performance and has been the recipient of an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Award which was used to fund a concert of 20th and 21st Century solo flute literature in an attempt to promote new music in the Eastern North Carolina area. He is also a member of Stranded Silver, a performing arts ensemble that aims to bring new light to flute music and captivate audiences in thrilling performances.
While studying with Dr. Christine Gustafson at East Carolina University he played in numerous ensembles, serving as principal in the ECU Wind Ensemble and performing in master classes for artists like Lorna McGhee, and for guest artists including Gary Schocker, and Viviana Guzman. Concurrently in the world of composition he has studied with Dr. Marc Faris, Dr. Mark Taggart, and Dr. Ed Jacobs. His compositions have been commissioned and performed by various students and faculty at East Carolina University and nationally by established artists of the New Music community. His works have been featured in recitals and concerts across the Eastern seaboard as well as master classes for visiting composers like Salvatore Macchia, Michael Foumai, Lansing McCloskey, Travis Alford, and Jim Mobberely.
Being heralded as “mesmerizing” and “powerful” by critics and concert goers, Ben is a soloist and avid performer of 20th and 21st century music, performing in solo recitals and along side some of the biggest names in New Music including Miranda Cuckson, Sarah Brady, Fred Sherry, and Barry Crawford. He has been an invited performer to the Cicada Consort Charity Concert Marathon, The Cortona Sessions, The Wellesley Contemporary Performance Institute, The NEON Festival, the National Flute Association Convention, and several recordings for the North Carolina New Music Initiative. He has been a finalist for the American Prize in Solo Instrumental Performance and has been the recipient of an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Award which was used to fund a concert of 20th and 21st Century solo flute literature in an attempt to promote new music in the Eastern North Carolina area. He is also a member of Stranded Silver, a performing arts ensemble that aims to bring new light to flute music and captivate audiences in thrilling performances.
While studying with Dr. Christine Gustafson at East Carolina University he played in numerous ensembles, serving as principal in the ECU Wind Ensemble and performing in master classes for artists like Lorna McGhee, and for guest artists including Gary Schocker, and Viviana Guzman. Concurrently in the world of composition he has studied with Dr. Marc Faris, Dr. Mark Taggart, and Dr. Ed Jacobs. His compositions have been commissioned and performed by various students and faculty at East Carolina University and nationally by established artists of the New Music community. His works have been featured in recitals and concerts across the Eastern seaboard as well as master classes for visiting composers like Salvatore Macchia, Michael Foumai, Lansing McCloskey, Travis Alford, and Jim Mobberely.