Name:
Ben Perez

Plays:
Keyboards, Synthesizers, Background Vocals

Musical Background:
Ben Perez began piano lessons much too early in life, about four years old or so. The piano teacher noticed something was wrong when he began playing his pieces perfectly but in a different octave than what was written. Because his family moved around a lot in the state of Michigan, Ben went through many piano teachers, all wanting to start him at the beginning, not fully appreciating his nascent musical abilities. By the time he ceased taking piano lessons, during his 2nd year at Andrews University, he had learned all the usual classical pieces from composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, etc.

When he wasn't "chained" to the piano, Ben would, as a youngster, attempt to sing along to recordings from Christian groups like the Heritage Singers, the Kings Heralds, etc. or crooning to easy listening staples like the Carpenters, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Sonny and Cher (don't laugh). But then the family stereo broke and his singing ceased for quite a while.

While attending Troy Adventist Academy he dabbled in the various musical organizations; he tried singing in the choir during the time his voice was changing (much to the amusement of many), and played also saxophone in the school band (and was always told to play more quietly). Still, he was always 1st chair until college, when he got fed up with all the competition and switched to baritone sax.

During his senior year in Great Lakes Adventist Academy Ben somehow developed an interest in the Beatles. He grew his hair to form a mop top, and more importantly, learned to play guitar by thrashing along to all their songs. He doesn't play guitar too much now, but if you ask him nicely around the campfire he just might play those silly Christian children's favorites like, "I Just Want to be a Sheep" or "King of the Jungle."

Still, the keyboard was his first love, and so his musical tastes leaned toward synthesizer based groups like Depeche Mode, Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, you get the picture. Once at Andrews University, he and a friend entered the talent show performing a Pet Shop Boys number. They won 2nd place. Too bad it was a sappy love song.

Ben felt most fulfilled using his musical abilities in church, as an accompanist. He has the ability to bring out the best in every one he accompanies, whether it be voice or instrument. But every so often he would play solo, attacking the piano with a Dino Kartsonakis arrangement. And if it was a dire emergency, you might see him struggling to play hymns at the organ. Church members would always comment on his expensiveness and technique at the keyboard, but Ben invariably downplays his abilities. All he wanted to do was to bring glory and honor to his Lord and Savior.

And now Ben is praising God in another way, playing keyboards and singing backup in Quintessence. If you are familiar with any of the musical artists mentioned above, you will notice that the music Ben is performing now is NOTHING like what he listened to or played while growing up. It's a challenge for him to write and perform this kind of music (if you ever see him on stage with a lost expression, you now know why) but he thanks God always for giving him the opportunity to make a joyful noise!