Ben
Ben, a 9th grader, studied guitar for ten years with Suzuki teacher Frank Longay. He has been playing for peace for five years, turning his idea to use music to help others into a project that has raised more than $40,000.00 for Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids (a CNN Heroes Honoree) and the Wounded Warrior Project. His straightforward belief that “one person might not be able to solve a problem, but everyone can help to help” has inspired musicians across the country to join in his efforts, garnered recognition from the US House of Representatives, and has helped him become the largest single fundraiser for WFIK.
His site, http://www.iplayforpeace.com details his work on this and several other projects. Ben updates regularly. Recently, Ben was featured by the PBS program “From the Top”, which highlights the playing and community work of young classical musicians.
Read his interview on their site by clicking this link.
