2024 Snare Drum
2023 Drum Set
Dr. Ben Cantrell currently serves as Assistant Professor of Percussion at Morehead State University. Along with his colleague Dr. Brian Mason, the MSU percussion faculty teach private lessons in both classical and commercial music, percussion ensemble, marching band, and steel band. In addition, Dr. Cantrell teaches music theory, band and guitar class for MSU’s Upward Bound Summer Program, and is the director for MSU Pep Band and Summer Arts Academy.
Recently, Dr. Cantrell has performed at Barter Theatre of Abingdon, VA, Sacred Winds Ensemble of Somerset, KY, and as principal percussionist for the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra. He works with middle and high school programs often and is very active with coaching and adjudicating both marching and concert activities.
As an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, Dr. Cantrell serves on their Health and Wellness Committee and reviews new literature for their official journal, Percussive Notes. He is an educational artist for Mapex Drums, Majestic Percussion, Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, Black Swamp Percussion, and Zildjian Cymbals.
This year, Dr. Cantrell was awarded the University Music Teacher of the Year for both KMEA District 8 and District 9 and is incredibly appreciative of his musical friends and colleagues.