Ben Portner is a producer, pianist, vibraphonist and educator. He graduated from Webster University with a Masters Degree in Jazz Composition and orchestration, and attended the New School University for Jazz in New York City on scholarship graduating with a BFA in Jazz Performance, Growing up in high school Ben played vibraphone and drums professionally with groups across St. Louis including the late great Willie Aikens band at Spruill’s. He played in the all state jazz ensembles, won awards from Downbeat magazine for his original compositions and played drums in the Jazz St. Louis All Star Band. He also did an artist residency at the Kennedy Center for the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program which has produced some of the top talent in the jazz world. In college Ben toured in Europe with different Jazz ensembles. During his time in St. Louis Ben taught music theory and beat making at Vatterott College Extreme Institute by Nelly. In 2016 Ben orchestrated instrument parts for the St. Louis Symphony for their Curtis Mayfield tribute concert. Between 2014 and 2017 Ben was the music director for congregation Kol Rinah where he helped lead and arrange music for Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services. Follow @bportbeats