Donald Benham

Don Benham studied trombone with Miles Anderson and Robert Marsteller, additionally studied composition with Hollywood composer Hugo Friedhofer. Principal trombone with the California Symphony since 1987, Don has held positions with the Oakland Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Ballet, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. He is a frequent recitalist in the Noyo Consort with pianist Jason Kirkman and violinist Philip Santos. Don directs Music Programs for the Alta Vista Middle School in San Francisco, arranges and writes music for school ensembles, brass, orchestra and choir. His hobbies include classic cars, film music, and marathon running.

Musical memory

Playing a big solo at Tivoli Gardens while a bee was crawling on my arm.