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BORN
1940
DIED
2021
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Benjamin Elkins Obituary
October 12, 1940 - November 23, 2021
MARION, Va.
Benjamin F. Elkins, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
A former Marion Senior High School student performed in the International Dues Band Reunion, celebrating Berklee College of Music's 50th anniversary. The band was composed of Berklee College graduates coming from around the globe. The concert was one of Berklee's largest and most talent-laden alumni reunions ever.
Among the musicians who performed for the concert was bass trombonist Benjamin F. Elkins, Professor, Professional Writing Division, Berklee College of Music. Elkins studied Bass trombone with John Coffee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. After receiving a Bachelor of Music Degree from Berklee in 1968, he was appointed to the faculty in 1973. In 1979, Elkins formed his own big band, the Back Bay Brass, for which he composed and wrote arrangements.
Elkins was a 1960 graduate of Marion Senior High School, where he played trombone and was Drum Major. Among his professional credits are his performances with Shubert Theatre Orchestra productions of "Dream Girls", "Annie", "Dancin' ", "Ain't Misbehaving", Phantom of the Opera", and "42nd Street". Elkin has also appeared in performances by Stan Kenton, Urbie Green, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joe Williams.
He was the son of the late Ruby and Frank Elkins of Marion.
On May 2, Elkins' student band, The Back Bay Brass Jazz Orchestra, performed in the Berklee Performance Center the entire Johnny Richards "Cuban Fire Suite", which was recorded in 1956 by the Stan Kenton Orchestra. This was considered by music critics to be a milestone in jazz composition. Elkins' students played the first live performance of this music since 1956.
To share memories of Benjamin F. Elkins, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Mr. Elkins family has been entrusted to Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Paul Tomashefsky
January 31, 2022
I was just thinking back on my college days as a Trumpet student and Music Ed Major at The Berklee College of Music (1979-1983). I was a Trumpet student student of Ben's during my tIme at Berklee College of music and part of The Back Bay Brass and I believe the Count Basie Band ensemble. I remember playing a Halloween gig at one of the local Hotels with the Back Bay Brass! Ben was one of several funny an incredibly warm and musically talented conductors and musicians at the school. I am so very sorry to read of his passing my prayers go out to his family. Paul Tomashefsky (Trumpet)
Joan Santarlasci
December 29, 2021
I thought about all of you missing your Beloved Ben this Christmas. May the many Happy Memories carry you through this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love You, Joannie
Alice Santarlasci
December 27, 2021
Ben, we loved you very much. Your death leaves many grieving. We have been blessed by your kind and giving nature as well as your great sense of humor. Thank you for the wonderful contribution you are to our family. Forever and always, with love, Alice
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