Ben Medler

Instructor of Trombone

Ben grew up in Andover, Massachusetts. He spent his high school years with trombonist Phil Wilson and vocal teacher Earl Miller. During his summers, he studied with German trombonist Jiggs Whigham. After attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ben moved to Oregon and completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz at Portland State University. He spent seven years teaching at Portland’s Wilson High School and then started PYJO (the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra).  PYJO now has six levels of band for all ages, and alumni around the world. Ben currently performs on many instruments including trombone, trumpet, bass and has recorded with ShooWah Records for 15 years.