Jim ten Bensel has lived in Minnesota for most of his life. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and plays Yamaha trombones, euphoniums, flugelhorns and alto trombones. Jim holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in music education from the University of Minnesota and has taught vocal and instrumental music at all levels from elementary to college. He teaches low brass and jazz combos at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis.
As a performer, Jim has toured with Henry Mancini, Ralph Marterie and Stan Kenton. He has traveled with a top show band, conducted many clinics and made numerous guest appearances.
He is the Director of the Minneapolis Trombone Choir. As a classical player, was voted "Best Classical Brass" by the Minnesota Music Academy in 1988 as well as "Best Mainstream Jazz Brass Player." Jim has played in the pit for many touring Broadway shows.
Jim has been a pops and jazz performer with the Minnesota Orchestra and has played with the Minnesota Opera. He directed the choir at Judson Memorial Baptist Church for 23 years. He has been participating in the Green Lake American Baptist Music Conference for over 35 years.
Jim plays with the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band on their many tours and shows. He works with Reuben Ristrom, The Mouldy Figs, Klezmer and All That Jazz, the Bellagala Big Band, George Maurer Group as well as numerous other bands. Since 2013, he has been the conductor of the Como Pops Ensemble, a popular professional concert band in the city of St. Paul, MN.
Jim has a CD called The Jambone, which has been played numerous times on the jazz station in Minneapolis. He is also an accomplished vocalist.
