Benjamin Ladd, a senior percussionist at Dexter High School, was recently honored with the prestigious MSBOA Scholar Instrumentalist Award, presented by The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. This award is meant to recognize young musicians who achieve both academically as well as musically.
Ladd was nominated by Dexter High School Director of Bands, Dr. Kenneth Moore, for his outstanding accomplishments in music and academics.
Each MSBOA school can nominate only one band student per year, making this an outstanding accomplishment.
Ladd is a three-year drumline captain and plans on majoring in music in college.
“I like the percussion because there is always something new to learn, and another instrument to try,” he said to WeLoveDexter back in November. “Anything from a standard snare drum, to timpani, vibraphone or marimba, there’s always challenging new techniques to master.”
Ben, the son of Mike and Chris Ladd, has always been interested in music and first started playing percussion in the fifth-grade band in Dexter. In the eighth grade, he earned a slot on the Michigan All State Band, a fantastic group of individuals who he got the chance to play with that season.
He’s also heavily involved in concert band at DHS, earning first chair in symphonic band for three consecutive years.
Profile: Dexter’s Ben Ladd continues to keep the beat in the band and in life
