Ben Yats
Living in Minnesota but originally from Michigan, Benjamin Yats has traveled around the country chasing his passion for performing and teaching percussion music of all kinds, as well as sharing his belief that "Music Makes Life More Beautiful." As an orchestral percussionist, he has performed with the Colorado Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, Boulder Symphony, Arapahoe Philharmonic, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Beloit-Janesville Symphony, and other regional groups. He has toured around the Midwest with his duo project If+When Percussion, visiting Colorado State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Washburn University, University of Northern Iowa, and Central Missouri University.
Ben currently serves as the Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, where he teaches lessons and coaches the jazz combo. He also instructs the Drum Line, runs percussion ensemble, and teaches lessons at Wayzata Highschool, and is involved in educational outreach through the St. Paul Conservatory of Music. He has earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Central Michigan University, a Performers Certificate from the University of Denver, and is currently A.B.D at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.