Ben Chamberlain Named Assistant Director of Bands at University of Arkansas

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Ben Chamberlain is the new assistant director of University Bands

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas welcomes the new assistant director of bands, Ben Chamberlain, as he joins the university band program’s mission to uphold a foundation of passion, excellence and tradition in music.

“The University of Arkansas has an incredible band tradition of national renown,” Chamberlain said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated members of the Razorback Marching Band, the Hogwild Band, and the university’s concert ensembles.”

Chamberlain joins the Arkansas family on July 1 from Evanston, Ill., where he completed the coursework for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting at Northwestern University in June 2010. While at Northwestern, he served as a doctoral teaching assistant where he assisted with administration of the band department and guest conducted, managed and led sectionals for concert ensembles and the marching band.

“We are excited that Ben Chamberlain will be joining the University of Arkansas band and department of music faculty this fall,” said Chris Knighten, director of University Bands. “Ben’s passion for music and teaching young people, work ethic, and his understanding of the importance of university traditions will bring a new level of energy to the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band, and UA Concert Bands.”

Chamberlain earned a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of Minnesota in December 2001. He was a program coordinator for Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps in LaCrosse, Wis., an artistic director for Totino-Grace High School Percussion Ensemble in Fridley, Minn., and music instructor at the Forest Lake Area Schools in Forest Lake, Minn. While working toward his Master of Music at Louisiana State University, Chamberlain served as a graduate assistant where he guest conducted and managed all concert and athletic bands.

In 1998, Chamberlain was invited to perform at the New York Music Festival. He has served on the Minnesota Percussion Association Board of Directors, received excellent ratings in all Minnesota State High School League events with Forest Lake Concert and Jazz Bands, and was selected as a guest conductor for the West Point Band’s “Great American Works” concert this year. 

He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, MENC: the National Association for Music Education, Minnesota Band Directors Association, National Band Association, Percussive Arts Society and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.

“My wife, Leah, and I have already been embraced by the warm hospitality of Fayetteville,” Chamberlain said. “We are excited to be a part of this wonderful community.”

The Razorback Band was formed in 1874 during the university’s fourth year of operation, making it one of the oldest collegiate bands in the United States. The University of Arkansas has four concert bands, each consisting of 60-70 musicians. The Razorback Marching Band and the Hogwild band stay very busy throughout the year performing at various athletic events. More than 2 percent of the University of Arkansas undergraduate population participates in at least one of the eight university bands.