Benjamin McKnight

Arranger/ French Horn

Benjamin McKnight Jr. is a native of Miami, Florida. He served as principal French horn in one of the top high school music programs in the state of Florida. His education background includes a Bachelor of Science in music education from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida. Hampton University and Boston University (graduate studies) in Music Education.  M.ED in educational leadership at American Intercontinental University.

Mr. Mcknight's performance background on the French Horn includes Florida high school All-State Orchestra 3 years, Miami-Dade All-County Honors Orchestra , third horn in the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Orchestra (NC), principal horn for four years with the World's Famous Florida A&M University Marching 100 band, symphonic band and wind ensemble, Florida A&M Quintet, soloist with the Florida A&M wind ensemble, first horn with the Intercollegiate Music Association wind ensemble (IMA), principal horn with the Hampton University orchestra and first horn with the Hampton University wind ensemble.

Benjamin’s teaching experience as a music educator expands over 17 years in various states such as: Georgia, Virginia, Michigan and South Carolina. He has also served as consultant/instructor at Florida A&M University Summer Band Camp, for French Horns, (16 years) and the Hampton University, Summer Band Camp, Coordinator of the Hampton University, Summer Band Camp1994-1995 and Currently Coordinator of the South Carolina State University Summer Band Camp.

While teaching in the state of Michigan, Mr. McKnight Founded The Michigan based Competitive Marching Band Organization (MWSBA) Mid-West Show Band Association, set up to provide a Legitimate and organized format for bands who choose to use the highly popular high stepping style common with southern traditional show bands. This organization has become a main attraction for Midwestern bands. Trained by one of the country's most renowned music arrangers, professor Lindsey B. Sarjeant of Florida A&M University, Benjamin has established himself as credible music arranger and composer for large and small ensembles.

He currently serves as Chief Arranger for the famed marching “101” band, and is currently working on original compositions for band, orchestra, chamber groups and Music Industry. Mr. Mcknight’s  other duties at South Carolina State University include: Director of the Pep band, French Horn Choir, French Horn Instructor and assistant conductor for concert, symphonic, marching band.

Professionally Benjamin has held memberships in the following: 

Florida Music Educators Association

 (FMEA)

Music Educators National Conference

 (MENC)

Georgia Music Educators Association

 (GMEA)

Virginia Music Educators Association

 (VMEA)

National Black Music Caucus

Inner-Collegian Music Association

 (IMA)

College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA)

Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association

(MSBOA)

Michigan Competing Bands Association and

(MCBA)

 Mid-West Show Band Association

 (MWSBA)

(Founder)

His Organization affiliates are: Alpha Phi Omega (National Service Fraternity). Kappa Kappa  Psi Phi  Mu Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi (Inc.)