Benjamin Cromie

I am a third-year percussion and drum set student at WAAPA, studying both classical and jazz courses. As a musician, I always personally aim for very high standards in performance. I have chosen to enter the education sector to inspire, guide, and nurture students to achieve their best. I am passionate about teaching students in a collaborative environment and helping them reach high standards in music performance. My goal as an educator is to develop critical and creative life-long learners in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment.

As a performer, I play a variety of styles in a wide range of groups. I have played with the Western Australian Youth Orchestra, Defying Gravity Percussion Ensemble, Metro Big Band, Metro Lite, South Perth Lions Big Band, WAAPA Big Band, WAAPA Django Ensemble, WAAPA Afro-Cuban Ensemble, WAAPA Wind Symphony and Orchestra, New Horizons Ensemble, The Roaring 20’s Jazz Orchestra, as well as several other small groups, such as Revenge Milkshake. I have also played several musical theatre shows, recently performing in Legally Blonde at WAAPA and High School Musical at Ellenbrook High School.

I have just completed a semester of international study at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. I have been learning incredible techniques in Miami, and I have been performing and recording music regularly over the last six months.

• Iain Robbie, Percussion Teacher, 0403 303 122
• Jenny Templar, Willetton Senior High School Music Teacher, 0407 100 782
• Daniel Susnjar, WAAPA Drum Set Tutor, 0421 335 601
• Paul Hogg, Willetton Senior High School Materials Design & Technology Teacher, 0434 212 129

• Top Student for Music ATAR award for Year 11 and 12
• Top Year 12 WACE Music Practical award for receiving 100%
• Instrumental Music School Services – ATAR prize 2021 (State School Teachers’ Union of W.A.)
• Top Student for Certificate II in Music
• Rotary Club of Willetton Arts Achievement award 2020
• 3rd place in Marimbafest 2021 a national marimba competition.
• People’s Choice award for Marimbafest 2021
• Performing for the Performing Arts Perspectives 2021
• Top Student for Material Design and Technologies Wood year 12 2021
• PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) - I attended PASIC in Indiana in 2022
• WAYO (Western Australian Youth Orchestra) - I have played with WAYO for 3 years
• Guest Presenter for Marimbafest in 2023, A masterclass on building marimbas
• Exchange program at the University of Miami
• Attended the Percussive Arts Society International Convention 50th year anniversary in 2025