Music, Teaching, and Ultra-marathons | Ben Blessing | Episode 4

In Episode 4 of The Brenton Peck Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Blessing—composer, educator, ultra-endurance runner, former Marine Corps musician, and current service member in the Idaho Army National Guard’s 25th Army Band.We explore:His musical roots and teaching path: Growing up in Meridian, Idaho, discovering composition in junior high, earning degrees in Music Composition and Music Education, and now directing the band in Baker City, Oregon.Service through music: Playing euphonium in the Marine Corps Band at Parris Island and continuing to perform with the 25th Army Band.Creative voice and recognition: Writing for concert band, orchestra, choir, and electronic media, with works like Symphony No. 4, Grandma’s Coat, and Standhope Peak earning national acclaim and competition wins.Running ultra-marathons: From training for extreme races like the 135-mile challenge while in the Marines to serving as Race Director for the Standhope Ultra Challenge—and the endurance it takes to juggle composing, teaching, service, and family.Community & legacy: How his dual passions for music and running support local programs—like helping Baker High School’s band—and shape his disciplined, purpose-driven life.This episode is a story of discipline meeting creativity, of finding harmony between art and grit, stage and trail.🌐 Connect with Ben Blessing:Website → benblessing.comYouTube → youtube.com/@benblessingInstagram → instagram.com/trailthrasherTikTok → tiktok.com/@standhopeultraStrava → strava.app.link/ZuSiG3iriWbBluesky → bsky.app/profile/benblessing.bsky.socialFacebook → facebook.com/ben.blessing.958872🔗 All podcast links: www.brentonpeckpodcast.com👉 Watch full episodes on YouTube/Spotify👉 Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and X👉 Join the community on Facebook#brentonpeckpodcast #benblessing #composer #banddirector #ultramarathonrunner #musiceducation #ultrarunning