Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Benson.
Hi Peter, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I got involved in singing barbershop music when I was 14 years old in Albert Lea, MN. My dad got me started and I was immediately hooked. I immersed myself in the art form and eventually competed with quartets and directed choruses, including the Great Northern Union, a 100+ voice barbershop chorus, to a 2nd place medal in a worldwide competition.
My dream was to one day have 4 sons and have a built-in family barbershop quartet! My wife went along with it, and we had 4 sons in a row! We started singing with our older 2 boys, when they were about 6 and 8 yrs. old, performing at barbershop shows and other venues. Eventually, we added more kids and instruments to the mix and included bluegrass and gospel music in our set. My wife, Rachelle, and I, and our 5 children now make up the Benson Family Singers.
We are primarily a gospel/Christian group and perform bluegrass, barbershop, and other genres. We have performed in as many as 60 concerts a year and have done some touring across the country. We sing for many churches, festivals, and community functions. In 2020 we embarked on a 3-month tour to FL, AL, TX, and AZ. We spent about 81 days together in an RV! It was an experience of a lifetime!
I have also had a career in choral music education, having taught high school choir briefly in Alden and Lakeville, MN. I also taught at the collegiate level for about 20 years at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND as well as UW–River Falls, WI.
My newest endeavor has been starting my own piano tuning business, Pete’s Piano Tuning. I guess I’ve had an interest in piano tuning for a long time and now I’m finally doing it, and loving it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having a singing group with concerts on the calendar, one of my biggest worries has been trying to keep everyone’s voices healthy. Also, with boys, it is a challenge when voices change! It seemed like overnight they would go from being a superstar tenor to having a 4-note range. We have had to modify many of our arrangements, switch parts, and change keys countless times over the years.
It has truly been a blessing to sing together as a family for more than 14 years. And even though some of my kids are getting into adulthood, they still want to keep the group going. However, work schedules have made concert scheduling a bit more difficult. While we still perform on weekends, we are not able to do as many tours as we once did.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Benson Family Singers.
We are a family music group from Faribault, Minnesota. My wife, Rachelle, and I, along with our four sons, David (22), Aaron (20), Luke (18), Paul (11), and daughter, Keziah (8), have a unique ministry consisting of barbershop, bluegrass, and gospel music. We specialize in tight acapella harmonies and also play a variety of instruments, including guitar, banjo, bass, violin, and mandolin. We use our music humor, and message to entertain and inspire audiences around the country.
Pete’s Piano Tuning. After spending over 20 years as a choral conductor and music educator, I have decided to branch off into something related and yet totally new! It has been a great fit for me as I have many connections in the music world, I also enjoy meeting new people, and I love to help them get the most out of their instrument. I tune and repair pianos for many schools, churches, and homes in southern MN as well as the metro area.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Benson Family Singers. Through our years of ministry and performing we have noticed that people are amazed that a family can work together so closely and look like they’re really having fun. I think this is one aspect of what we do that encourages people and brings them joy. Are we always as happy and cooperative with each other as we appear on stage? Well, no. We are a normal family in many ways, but I think we have learned cooperation out of necessity, and we truly do enjoy being with each other.
Pete’s Piano Tuning. Two things that have contributed to my success as a piano tuner are my ear and drive for excellence. Having been a choral conductor as well as a performer has taught me the importance of always bringing the best “product” to my audience. Listening and striving for the best sound definitely carries over into my piano tuning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bensonfamilymusic.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBensonFamily https://www.facebook.com/PetesPianoTuning/
- SoundCloud: https://www.youtube.com/@BensonFamilySingers/featured
