Mark Benson

Mark Benson serves as an Adjunct Professor of Music in the Department of Music, School of Arts and Sciences, at Peru State College. He directs the Peru State Jazz Ensemble and the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, and previously directed instrumental music at Mission Middle School.

Education

• Master of Music (MM), Music, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL (1988)
• Bachelor of Music Education (BM), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE (1985)

Research Interests

Benson specializes in jazz and woodwind performance, composition, and arranging. As a saxophonist with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra (including Montreux Jazz Festival 1997) and clarinetist with the Lincoln Municipal Band, he actively contributes to regional music scenes. His compositions have been performed by the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band and Paul Shaffer, while his work with Group Sax and freelance engagements underscores his interdisciplinary approach to music education and performance.

Scientific Awards

No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants

The text does not detail graduate student advising beyond course instruction (Musc 103, 120, 220, 340, 420, 440) or research grants, though Benson's role as clinician and adjudicator indicates professional mentorship activities.

Labs and Teams

He leads the Peru State Jazz Ensemble and Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, while performing with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Lincoln Municipal Band, and saxophone quartet Group Sax.