Ben began his musical journey as a trumpet player. One day, however, he witnessed two of the coolest things an 8 year old brass player could possibly imagine: a giant pink tuba and a sousaphone. These were owned by his first musical inspiration and “tuba buddy”, Cathy Chan. Since then, he has never looked back. Ben is currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium under Scott Frankcombe, and has cherished the occasional lesson with Tim Buzbee, Ben Thomson, Lee Tsarmaklis, Dan Trodden, Tommy Tynan and John DiCesare.

Ben has performed with Sydney Youth Orchestras since 2022, in the Flagship and Philharmonic orchestras, as well as in more intimate chamber settings. On top of this, he has taken part in: Australian Youth Orchestra; NSW Corrective Services Band; Ensemble Apex; Willoughby Symphony Orchestra; Willoughby City Band; Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra; NSW Doctors Orchestra; and Opera Australia Children’s Chorus.

2025 will mark Ben’s third year as Principal Tuba of The Sydney Youth Orchestra, and he is excited to see where the year takes him. One particular highlight he is looking out for is the intricate “Bydlo” tuba solo from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, which he will perform on the Big Sky Tour later in the year.