Ben Blessing, (1984) hails from Nampa, ID.  A former Marine and current member of the 25th Army Band in Boise ID, he is a long-serving member of the Idaho Army National Guard. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from Northwest Nazarene University and a Master’s in Music Education from the American Band College. In demand as a composer and conductor, his works have been received with enthusiasm from many audiences. A number of his works have been recognized by the American Band College on their Top 100 List, and his original work “Standhope Peak” was the winner of the 2022 NFMC Armed Forces Composition Competition. Mr. Blessing enjoys writing music for concert band, orchestra, and electronic avenues as well. In his off time, he enjoys writing music, running way too far for his own good, and spending quality time with his wife, three children, and two dogs. He is the Race Director for the Standhope Ultra Challenge and the Music Teacher at Compass Public Charter School.