Ben McClelland is an artist comfortable playing in any musical genre, with a lifelong goal of returning improvisation to its rightful place on the classical stage. A professional since age 14, Ben has worked under conductors Leonard Bernstein and Leonard Slatkin, shared the stage with Matt Haimovitz, Ray Charles and The Moody Blues, and has played in a punk band, an Austrian opera orchestra, and on the silver screen.
Mr. McClelland recently performed as a soloist with the Lafayette Symphony, playing Mark O'Connor's "Strings and Threads" and the Orange Blossom Special. In October 2005, Ben appeared as guest artist with the Billings, Montana, Symphony, performing "3 Pieces from Schindler's List" by John Williams to a standing ovation.
Mr. McClelland makes his home in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to being dedicated to providing his students the best and broadest education possible, Ben works on projects ranging from his 'twin fiddle' bluegrass band, a jazz combo, composing solo works for violin, developing a pedagogy of improvisation, and the "Improv Orchestra".
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