Ben McIlwain

About Ben

An avid supporter of modern music, Dr. Ben McIlwain has commissioned and premiered over fifty works for trombone. In 2012, Dr. McIlwain’s chamber ensemble, Tromboteam, commissioned nine new works for trombone ensemble, which have been recorded on the group’s first album, Last Lap. Dr. McIlwain has performed recently at the International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop, Southeast Trombone Symposium, the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference, and the International Horn Symposium. Notable past performances include soloing with the U.S. Army Pershing’s Own at the American Trombone Workshop in March 2015. In addition, he is the recipient of the Junior Faculty Creative Activity Award (2013), the College of Arts and Letters’ Junior Faculty of the Year award, the Aubrey Keith Lucas and Ella Ginn Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence (2014) and the Nina Bells Suggs Endowed Professorship (2014) from The University of Southern Mississippi. Currently on faculty at The University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. McIlwain holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University, Manhattan School of Music, and The Florida State University. Dr. Ben McIlwain is a Performing Artist for S.E. Shires Trombones and is releasing his debut solo album, Indefatigable, with colleagues Ellen Elder and Jackie McIlwain in 2022. This album was named a Global Music Awards winner for Outstanding Achievement (Instrumentalist) in 2022.