Djazz Cafe

Ben's Friends Jazz Orchestra

09/23/10
7pm

Benjamin L. Pruitt, Sr.

Benjamin L. Pruitt Sr. recently retired from the position of Fine Arts Supervisor for the Detroit Public Schools, but has distinguished himself as a music educator and active musician since beginning his professional career in Arkansas in 1961. His teaching and performing experiences are extensive.

He is a graduate of Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal (AM&N) College, presently the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Pruitt began his career as a professional educator in Magnolia, Arkansas, where he conducted award-winning bands for five years at Walker and Columbia High Schools. Since relocating to Detroit in 1966, he has directed Detroit Public Schools instrumental music ensembles at Wilson Junior High School (presently Phoenix Academy 1966-1972), Henry Ford High School (1972-1987), and Cass Technical High School (1987-1999). Pruitt also served as Acting Fine Arts Department Head at Henry Ford High School, and Fine Arts Department Head at Cass Technical HS. Additionally, he directed the music program at the Cranbrook Horizons Upward Bound Program, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 1974-1994.

The various ensembles under his direction have consistently been recognized for excellence locally and nationally. The Ford and Cass Tech Concert and Symphonic Bands consistently received superior ratings at local and state festivals under the jurisdiction of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) from 1973-1999. The Cass Tech Jazz Ensemble, “CassJazz” appeared regularly at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, the Michigan Tastefest, and was invited to perform at the Midwestern Music Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1998. “CassJazz” was also selected by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Department of Education to perform for international jazz artists Frank Foster, Benny Golson, Marcus Roberts and Nancy Wilson at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall.

Pruitt toured nationally with the Joe Simon Rhythm and Blues Band, led by internationally acclaimed jazz artist Charlie Gabriel, in 1969-1970. He is presently leader of his own 18-piece jazz orchestra, “Ben’s Friends”, which performs regularly in the metro-Detroit area, and has performed at the Detroit International Jazz Festival in 2000 and 2004, and at the Birmingham Jazz Festival in 2006.

The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, District XV, elected Mr. Pruitt “Teacher of the Year” in 1977, 1996 and 1999. He was also recognized by the Detroit Free Press as the Detroit Public Schools’ “Mr. Holland”, based upon the Hollywood movie production of Mr. Holland’s Opus in 1996. Several of Pruitt’s students have become successful professional musicians, music educators, as well as, professionals in numerous other occupations.

Pruitt served as Minister of Music at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 1989-2002, and has served as Minister of Music at Body of Christ Community of Faith since 2004. He served as director of the Detroit Police Department Community Concert Band and the Charles Young American Legion Post Concert and Marching Bands.

Pruitt was the organizer and lead director of the Detroit Public Schools All City High School Marching Band that appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade, Bandfest and the CBS production of “Coming Up Roses” in southern California in 2001-2002.

He is married to his wife of 50 years, Caroline, and they have two adult children, Benjamin “Skip” Pruitt (Michelle) and Paunice Pruitt Savage. (Patrick)