Former Artistic Director Ben Culver
BEN CULVER, the Saline Fiddlers' Artistic Director since from 2003 until the summer of 2013, has worked with the group since its inception in 1994. Ben first performed as a founding member, served as a Music Education Intern, Sound Engineer, and Assistant Director. Widely sought as a composer, performer, educator, event producer, audio engineer, and clinician for his expertise in incorporating fiddling and "alternative string playing" into the classroom, Ben counts Fiddlers' founder Bob Phillips as one of his primary influences in life.
Ben earned a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan where he studied violin with Stephen Shipps, and a Masters in Arts Management from Eastern Michigan University.
In April of 2005 Ben was awarded the "LEWIE" award from the Arts Council Lake Erie West. This award recognizes Ben's achievements in developing excellent string musicians through the use of alternative styles of music, especially American fiddling, in the Saline Schools' orchestra program and in the non=profit Saline Fiddlers group.
Ben began teaching in the Saline Area Schools in 2000 and currently teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestras.