About Benje

A musician known for his personal approach, creative musicality and strong versatility, Daneman got his start professionally in 2007 on a national tour with with Doc Severinsen’s Big Band.  Since then he has performed with the world renowned Jose Limon Dance Ensemble, recorded for the Grammy nominated album "Elevation" (HMI Big Band) and has appeared as both a leader and sideman at prestigious venues across the country including The Kennedy Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Festival of New Trumpet Music and The Iridium.  

Daneman is equally passionate in the classroom as he is onstage. He has led clinics and workshops throughout the country at such institutions as McNally Smith College, Western Michigan University, Luther College, Concordia University and for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. He has worked as a faculty teaching artist for The New York Pops, Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance (NYC) and Western Michigan University’s SEMINAR Program, in addition to being the Education Manager for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Daneman started many successful music education programs including Jazz & Creative Institute / Kalamazoo Music School (Co-Director), Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra (Director), the Kalamazoo Trumpet Workshop (Co-Director). Currently, he is the Music Director of the Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy, where he helps lead an amazing free afterschool program focusing on equity, community, and inclusitivty through jazz education to the youth in Savannah, GA.

An avid composer, arranger and music copyist, Daneman has received commissions from the United States Air Force Band (in Europe), Spark and Echo Arts (2015 Artist/Composer in Residence) and Redeemer Presbyterian Church (NYC). Additionally, he has collaborated with many composer/arrangers including Dr. Steve Zegree, Peter Prochnow and Roger Treece.  In addition to his music and teaching, Daneman works as an arts administrator creating opportunities and managing creative endeavors all across the nation. He has worked with The Festival of New Trumpet Music, jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, Dave Douglas’ Greenleaf Music Record Label and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

Daneman has attended and holds degrees from Western Michigan University, The Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY). He lives in Savannah, GA with his wife and children.

notable Venues & Festivals

The Kennedy Center (Millennium Stage), Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, The Iridium, ShapeShifter Lab, Baryshnikov Arts Center, The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, Cornelia Street Cafe, Rockwood Music Hall, Constellation (Chicago), Dakota Jazz Club (Minneapolis), Cezanne (Houston, TX), The Elephant Room (Austin, TX), Festival of New Trumpet Music Festival,  Elkhart Jazz Festival 

notable Bands, groups & Collaborations

Doc Severinsen Big Band - National Tour
Jose Limon Dance Company (NYC) - Performer
Gustavo Moretto Sextet
The Awakening Jazz Orchestra
Western Jazz Quartet

Teaching

Private Instructor

Teaching a busy private studio for nearly 20 years, Benje is a personal and inspiring educator.  He has taught all ages and levels of students, from five years old to senior citizens; from the first time player to professionals.  He is available to teach all over the world via Skype and in person in the West Michigan area. He has also taught privately and/or directed ensembles for the NY Pops, the NYC Dept. of Education, the Bronx-based Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance, Lake Michigan College, and Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, MI

Clinician/Adjudicator

A former NY Pops Teaching Artist, Benje is a sought after clinician and adjudicator all across the nation.  From presenting clinics at universities (Luther College, McNally Smith College, Concordia University) to working with elementary aged musicians, Benje’s excitement for music and education and unique ability to reach all levels.

Guest Artist/Clinician Appearances:

• Luther College (Decorah, IA)

• Concordia University (Seward, NE)

• North Harford High School (Pylesville, PA)

• Forest Hills Central High School (Grand Rapids, MI)

• Alvin High School (Houston, TX)

• Downers Grove South High School (Chicago, IL)

• McNally Smith College (St. Paul, MN)

Jazz & Creative Institute

Benje was the Co-Director/Founder of the Jazz & Creative Institute (JCI) and was deeply involved in much of it's educational programming. He directed the Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra, taught in JCI's Private Lesson Program and oversaw small and large ensemble programming.

MUSIC & VIDEO

Benje Daneman Quartet @ Constellation

Kanola Band

Bringing authentic New Orleans-inspired soul, brass, & grooves to the Lowcountry and beyond!

Kanola Band is more than a band - it’s a musical journey through the heart of New Orleans. With deep reverence for the city’s unmatched cultural legacy, this high-energy ensemble brings to life the music that has defined the Crescent City for generations. From early jazz and second-line brass to funk, soul, gospel, and rhythm & blues, their repertoire spans over a century of New Orleans music - across genres, across decades.

But they don’t just play the music. They bring it to life with stories, context, and insight. At every performance, audiences are invited not just to dance and celebrate - but to listen, learn, and connect. Each song is an opportunity to highlight the lives of the artists who made it famous, the neighborhoods that shaped its sound, and the cultural traditions that gave rise to it all.

Whether reimagining the soulful grooves of Fats Domino, channeling the joyful spirit of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, or celebrating the resilience of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, Kanola Band is dedicated to spreading joy and honoring the deep roots of New Orleans music. Their concerts are equal parts celebration and education—designed to uplift audiences and remind us that music is not just entertainment; it’s a universal language that connects us all.

Kanola has TWO homebases - Kalamazoo, Michigan and Savannah, Georgia, but, they travel nationwide.

Benje Daneman's SearchParty

SearchParty was born out of Benje Daneman's 2015 Artist in Residence with Spark & Echo Arts, a New York City based arts organization. Comprised of some of the best jazz talent on the scene, the band performs and tours Daneman's original compositions and arrangements. Their first album, "Light in the Darkness" will debut in Summer 2018.

Personnel: Greg Ward (sax), Ashley Daneman (voice),
Rob Clearfield (piano), Andrew Vogt (bass) and Jon Deitemyer (drums). 
 

Contact

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