Why did you choose the USC School of Music?
I chose USC because they offered me the most scholarship money as a high school student. My parents ran a Christmas tree farm when I was a kid to help save extra money for my college education. My parents lost my and my sister's college savings in the subprime mortgage crisis and economic crash in 2008. While those mortgage companies were bailed out, my parents never got their investments back. I chose a school based on the most affordable option for my family.
What ensembles were you a member of while at USC?
Carolina Band; Chamber Ensemble(s); Colorguard; USC Symphonic Winds; USC Wind Ensemble
You performed with the Carolina Band while at USC. What section were you in and what was your favorite part about playing at Williams-Brice Stadium?
I played clarinet in the band in 1996 and 1997 and was in the Colorguard in 1998. I enjoyed being in the band with my friends. The game day atmosphere was nothing like it is today. I love the pageantry of today's game day!
You recently established a Planned Gift to support the Carolina Band through an endowed fund. What legacy do you hope to leave for future students of the Band through this generous gift?
I think that the current director of the Carolina Band, Jay Jacobs, and Cormac Cannon, Director of Bands, do an amazing job of putting the student experience as their highest priority. They work tirelessly to make sure that every detail is planned and perfectly executed. They have revolutionized the student experience in the Carolina Band and treat the students like they too are part of Division 1 athletics. I am passionate about wanting to support their efforts and continue to grow the positive student experience for the future.
You were also recently appointed President of the Carolina Alumni Band Association. What goals do you hope to achieve in this role?
I want to grow alumni involvement through volunteer opportunities and experiences with the band as well as increase alumni support. Alumni can volunteer with opportunities like the Alumni Cake & Ice Cream Social for the Carolina Band at the end of band camp, they can volunteer on the equipment crew at home games, regular and proficient performing alumni can play with the Palmetto Concert Band and volunteer to play at home basketball games when students are on break. We are expanding our alumni experiences to not only include our Alumni Marching Band weekend at Homecoming in the fall but to also offer an Alumni Concert Band weekend in the Spring paired with the final Wind Ensemble concert for the semester. We are very lucky that our band has been able to operate at the level it has for so long with modest alumni support as compared to other university bands of our size. I'm so inspired by the substantialLegacy funds that Purdue, Texas, Clemson and the like have, and I want to see our alumni base do the same with the Carolina Band Legacy Fund.
You took a different career path after graduation and have been thriving in graphic design and printing through your own business, Hipp Visual Solutions. How has your music degree from the USC School of Music helped you in your life and career, and how does music continue to play a role in your life?
I cater to pageantry arts groups, after 25+ years of teaching in the activity I want to use that experience to help current teachers ease the burden of the ordering process. I want to help increase visibility of school band, dance and other fine arts programs through quality apparel and accessories that students are proud to wear to school. I also employ only team members that have extensive experience in the pageantry arts so that every part of the experience with my business is handled by someone who understands what the level or quality and needs are of the activity.
What is currently playing on repeat on your Spotify/Pandora/Apple Music, etc.?
Mozart’s Gran Partita, Broadway's Greatest Hits, and anything Taylor Swift.
Do you have any upcoming performances you would like to share?
I perform regularly with Palmetto Concert Band, Catawba River Winds, Charleston Wind Symphony and Poinsett Winds.
You can learn more about Ben’s company, Hipp Visual Solutions, at www.hippvisualsolutions.com or connect with him on Instagram @tinmanruns
Are you an alum of the Carolina Band? Become a member of the Carolina Alumni Band Association through a new membership program created just for you; a chance to give back, stay connected, and invest in the future of the Mighty Sound of the Southeast.
If you are interested in leaving a legacy at the School of Music through a planned gift or endowed fund, contact Audra Vaz, Assistant Dean for Advancement.