ABOUT THE ARTIST Benjamin Ernst, percussion Ben Ernst is a senior at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, set to graduate in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Ben was born and raised in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, and first began his musical journey in the fifth grade at Warrior Run School District. Ben credits the ignition of his passion for music education to his former middle school band director, Dawn Doll. At West Chester University, Ben has performed in various ensembles, became a member of Tau Beta Sigma Zeta Upsilon, and worked as a Wells School of Music Student Ambassador. Outside of school, Ben directs the Garnet Valley High School Front Ensemble. Ben enjoys spending his free time outdoors, with friends, and generally doing things that make him happy. Ben would like to express his most sincere gratitude to his family, friends, Sisters, and mentors for encouraging him to be his best self.
PROGRAM NOTES Strive to be Happy, Ivan Trevino (2014) Ivan Trevino wrote “Strive to be Happy” as a commission for a consortium of schools and universities led by Texas Christian University. His composition was inspired by the poem Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, which was written in 1927. The verses of the poem offer universal advice and guidance for leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. In this performance, Desiderata will be performed as spoken word to accompany Ivan Trevino’s composition.