has picked up the baton left behind during the 2005  summer concert season by our previous conductor, Larry Drouin.  Dave is one very busy fellow. 

He is in charge of the elementary music program for all of Gloucester's elementary schools.   This means he has to assemble a team of music teachers  to come in and give class lessons on each of several different instruments.  He then assembles all of these new students together to play a concert which he conducts.  No easy task to be sure.

Dave also is the business manager for the Cape Ann Symphony.  This job alone keeps him busy most every minute he is not teaching school.  Week-ends you will find him performing his saxophone with a variety of different bands through out the north shore.

It was once said, "If you want anything done, find someone who is too busy already."  That is Dave Benjamin.  We at the North Shore Concert Band are extremely happy his is taking time from a very busy schedule to rehearse and conduct this band.  Brass bands have been a tradition on the North Shore for well over 100 years.  Thanks to Dave, that tradition continues.

Dave's Bio

DAVID BENJAMIN is a clarinetist, conductor, orchestra manager and active community music presenter from Gloucester, Mass. He is equally at home on the symphony concert stage, marching in parades, playing in jazz clubs or playing in church services in and around Cape Ann. David has performed, The Boston Firemen’s Band, the Cape Ann Symphony, The Chalumeau Chamber Ensemble, The Danvers POPS Ensemble, The North Shore Concert Band and the Jazz Duo, “Isn’t It Romantic”, with Anthony Weller. He is an occasional performer with The Gerry Barrett Big Band. For many years David directed and performed with the six-piece “Mr. B’s Band” featuring the Knowlton Sisters.

  He began his studies as a youngster in the Gloucester Public Schools. Continued study led him to Holyoke Community College, The Smith College Music Dept., and The University of Mass. At Lowell (BM) and Lesley College (Master of Ed.). He has studied clarinet with Alan Earle, Verne Neimi, John Lyons, William Wrzesian, David Seiler and Anthony Fulginiti. He has studied saxophone with Michael Tucker and Flute with Patricia Darby.

   Mr. Benjamin is currently the Director of Instrumental Music for the Gloucester Elementary and Middle Schools, The Business Manager of the Cape Ann Symphony and the Conductor and Music Director of the Cape Ann Community Band as well as the North Shore Concert Band, a professional ensemble sponsored by the American Federation of Musicians, Local 126, Lynn, Mass.  As the Summer Music Director for the City of Gloucester, he presents the annual Antonio Gentile Bandstand concert series. “Mr. B”, as he is known in Gloucester, also performs jazz with his good friends: guitarist, Anthony Weller and pianist, Jonathan Jarvis.

   Mr. Benjamin’s honors include a Scholarship in his name given annually to a Gloucester High School graduating senior(s) with a performance background.