Education

M.S., Teaching & Learning – Minnesota State University, Mankato (2018)
B.A., Music – Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato (2007)

Research

The Impact of Music Instruction on Reading Literacy (2018)

Licensure and Certifications

K–12 Teaching License – Minnesota State University, Mankato (2009)

Professional Memberships

Minnesota Music Educators Association
Minnesota Band Directors Association

Service

Evangelical Lutheran Synod Board for Youth Outreach Member (2013–present)
ELS Honor Choir Camp Director (2023–present)
Chairman, Mt. Olive Church Council (2022–2023)
Youth Group Co-Leader, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church (2020–2022)
ELS Board for Youth Outreach Summer Camp Co-Director (2019, 2021, 2023)
ELS Delegate from Scarville Synod Lutheran Church (2008–2017)

Presentations and Publications

Concert Band Works – Veritas Musica Publishing
“Octavius” (original composition)
“Night” (arrangement of “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” and “Abide With Me”)
“Three Kings” (arrangement of “We Three Kings”)
“Three Ships” (arrangement of “I Saw Three Ships”)

Percussion Ensemble Works – Veritas Musica Publishing
“Vibeman” (original composition)
“Vibeman Returns” (original composition)

Chamber Orchestra Works – Veritas Musica Publishing
“Now Rejoice” (arrangement of “In Dulce Jubilo”)
“Joy to the World” (arrangement)

Percussion Ensemble Arrangement – Tresona Licensing
“Forbidden Friendship” (from How to Train Your Dragon)

Additional Campus Responsibilities

Chair, Music Department (2023–present)
Faculty Development Committee (2024–present)
Curriculum Committee (2018–2024)

Biography

Benjamin Faugstad serves as Chair of the Music Department at Bethany Lutheran College. He directs the Concert Band, Drumline, and Chamber Orchestra, and teaches courses including Music Skills, Instrumental Conducting, Instrumental Pedagogy, and private lessons in percussion, guitar, conducting, and composition.

An active performer and composer, he has played drum set for several years with the Blue River Combo and currently performs guitar with the GBK Trio.

Faugstad earned his B.A. in Music from Bethany in 2007 and his M.S. in Teaching and Learning from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2018. He previously taught instrumental music at Lake Mills Community School in Iowa and has arranged numerous works for band, percussion ensemble, and piano, several of which are published through Veritas Musica Publishing. His original band composition Octavius was recently released through the same publisher. Faugstad lives in Mankato with his wife and four children.

Hobbies and Interests

Composing music
Basketball
Astronomy
Traveling and hiking
Pizza and grilling

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