Benjamin Holmes is originally from Lubbock, Texas and earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, Benjamin was a percussion student of Dr. Lisa Rogers and Alan Shinn. Benjamin earned his master's degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2017 where he studied under Dr. Lance Drege. Benjamin returned to Texas Tech University to earn his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Percussion Performance, studying with Dr. Lisa Rogers and Mr. Brian Kendrick.
Benjamin is an active clinician throughout Texas and Oklahoma presenting educational clinics and masterclasses in both concert and marching percussion. An active performer, Benjamin has performed all over the United States at the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, PAS Oklahoma Day of Percussion, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, PAS Canada Day of Percussion, and with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. Benjamin earned First Prize in the percussion category of Opis Artists Paris - Music Competition Online.
Benjamin is the co-founder of the Holmes Percussion Duo with his brother Cody, performing original compositions composed by members of the duo. The duo has composed over 20 original works for percussion solo, duo, quartet, and percussion ensemble. Additionally, the Holmes Percussion Duo earned Second Place in the North International Music Competition chamber music category and were members of the illustrious World Percussion Group in 2023. The Holmes brother’s music has been performed in concert halls across the globe with performances in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America.
Benjamin's latest compositions and arrangements are available from Tapspace Publications, OU Percussion Press, and HolmesPercussion.com. Benjamin's percussion duo Palm Reader was nominated for J.W. Pepper's Editor's Choice Award in 2021. Currently, Benjamin teaches applied percussion lessons at the University of Oklahoma and is the Percussion Coordinator/Arranger for the Pride of Oklahoma marching band. Benjamin proudly endorses Vic Firth sticks/mallets, Zildjian cymbals and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
