First Class Petty Officer Benjamin S. Redwine, USN
Clarinetist, Naval Academy Band

Musician First Class Benjamin S. Redwine is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At age 6, he began clarinet studies with Loris Wiles, his grandfather and principal clarinetist with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra. Upon graduation from Del City High School in 1988, he entered the U.S. Army Reserve Band in Oklahoma City. He served with that group until transferring to the Oklahoma Army National Guard Band. During that time, Petty Officer Redwine earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma. He subsequently transferred to the Louisiana National Guard Band and enrolled at Louisiana State University, earning a Master of Music Degree in clarinet performance. He then entered the U.S. Army, serving 4 years with the Army Ground Forces Band, Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1998, Petty Officer Redwine auditioned for and was selected by the U.S. Naval Academy Band. After attending Navy Recruit Training, he reported to Annapolis, Maryland where he currently serves as clarinet instrumentalist in the Concert Band, Marching Band, and ceremonial units. In addition, he plays baritone saxophone in the jazz band, Next Wave.

Other musical experiences include performances as E-flat clarinetist with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, B-flat clarinetist with the Fort Smith , Baton Rouge, and Cobb Symphony Orchestras, as well as soloing with the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra (winner of the annual young artists competition), and performing extensively with his popular dixieland style band-the Redwine Jazz Band. Petty Officer Redwine can be heard around the Washington, D.C. area playing bass, baritone, and tenor saxophones, as well as clarinet with Doc Scantlin and the Imperial Palms Orchestra. In his spare time, he enjoys "cajun style" cooking, and gardening.

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