Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin D. Wagner

Bloomington

Summary

Professional music leader, prepared with solid foundation in conducting, musical interpretation, along with a diverse performance background. Known for driving impactful performances and fostering collaborative team environment. Reliable and adaptable, skilled in orchestration and musical arrangement, with focus on achieving artistic excellence.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Music

Bloomington Covenant Church
04.2024 - Current
  • Enhanced congregational worship experience by skillfully directing and arranging music for weekly services.
  • Recruited trained, and mentored volunteer musicians to build a cohesive team dedicated to excellence in worship.
  • Organized special events such as concerts, workshops, and guest performances to foster a vibrant church community centered around music.
  • Designed seasonal programs incorporating traditional hymns alongside contemporary pieces to honor cultural diversity within the congregation.
  • Lead the chapel choir and built the choral program with large scale programs at Christmas and Easter and monthly performances.

Freelance Musician

Self Employed
06.2011 - Current
  • Play various instruments professionally (touring) including piano, saxophone, all woodwinds, organ and voice.
  • Serve as a touring saxophonist for Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.
  • Teaching private music instruction for young musicians ages 4 to professional adult in piano, organ, voice and all woodwinds.
  • Performing with organizations including the MN Opera, Children's Theatre Company, Illusion Theatre and History Theatre.
  • Serve as Executive Artistic Director for Sounds Like Love, a National Youth Choral Festival organization hosting a mass choir of 250 9th-12th grade vocalists each November.

Music Teacher

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
08.2023 - 06.2025
  • Organized successful concerts and recitals, showcasing student's talents and hard work.
  • Mentored students of different ages and backgrounds in music theory, composition and performance.
  • Established positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.
  • Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate 735 students about fundamentals and history of music.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in music education, enriching both teaching skills and curriculum offerings.
  • Developed the inaugural, in school choral program, growing the 6-8th grade chorus to 55 students in 2 years.
  • Lead daily classes for Prek-2nd grade classes, middle school choir and leading all school mass and group experiences.

Director of Music and Worship

Southtown Baptist Church
05.2020 - 04.2024
  • Cultivated connections with other faith-based organizations that shared similar mission goals related to worship and the arts.
  • Provided pastoral care to musicians in times of need by offering support, encouragement, and guidance.
  • Revitalized youth involvement in worship by creating age-appropriate programming that engaged younger audiences effectively.
  • Built a choral ministry from 0 vocalists to a choir of 17 vocalists.
  • Lead weekly rehearsals, services and specialty music experiences.

Music Teacher

Nativity Of Mary Catholic School
10.2018 - 06.2023
  • Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
  • Lead the school music program, teaching Prek-8th grade general music, middle school choir and mass experiences.
  • Programmed 2 concerts each year for all grade levels and coordination of weekly mass experiences.
  • Fostered positive and inclusive classroom environment, enabling students to confidently express their musical talents.
  • Facilitated student-led performances, empowering them to take ownership of their musical growth.

Education

Bachelor of Music - Saxophone Performance

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN

Skills

  • Artist development
  • Performance coaching
  • Audio production
  • Tour management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Excellent communication
  • Team leadership

Timeline

Director of Music

Bloomington Covenant Church
04.2024 - Current

Music Teacher

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
08.2023 - 06.2025

Director of Music and Worship

Southtown Baptist Church
05.2020 - 04.2024

Music Teacher

Nativity Of Mary Catholic School
10.2018 - 06.2023

Freelance Musician

Self Employed
06.2011 - Current

Bachelor of Music - Saxophone Performance

Minnesota State University, Mankato

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