Ben Claps · Saxophone · Chicago & Northwest Suburbs

About

A Chicago musician with a lifelong passion for the saxophone

A recent music graduate of Ball State University, Ben Claps brings four years of rigorous formal training, performance experience across dozens of stages, and an authentic feel for the music to every event. Raised in Lake in the Hills, IL, northwest of Chicago, music has always been central — from school concerts and youth orchestras to the competitive ensembles at Ball State.

The highlight of the university years came with a coveted spot in the Rose Bowl Parade — one of the most-watched live performance events in the country, broadcast to over 50 million viewers. That level of preparation and stage presence carries into every private engagement.

Now based in the Chicago area and northwest suburbs, Ben Claps brings that same artistry and professionalism to weddings, private dinners, restaurants, and corporate events — tailoring every set to the exact mood and energy you're after.

            Ball State University
            Bachelor of Music · Recent Graduate
          
            Rose Bowl Parade
            Pasadena, CA · Marching Band
          
            Lake in the Hills, IL
            Northwest Chicago Suburb
          
            Bands & Orchestras
            10+ Ensembles Performed

Sets & Styles

Music for every mood & moment

From timeless jazz standards to modern pop, each set is crafted to match your atmosphere. Mix and match to build the perfect program for your event.

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Jazz Standards

The classic American Songbook — Coltrane, Getz, Monk, Brubeck. Sophisticated, instantly familiar, and utterly timeless.

BebopSwingCool JazzHard Bop

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Cocktail Hour

Smooth, atmospheric background music that keeps conversation flowing. Understated elegance — undeniably present without overpowering the room.

Smooth JazzBossa NovaAmbient

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Wedding Ceremony

Beautiful processionals, recessionals, and ceremony music — from romantic classical pieces to contemporary songs reimagined for saxophone.

ProcessionalRomanticClassicalContemporary

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Dance & Upbeat

Funky grooves, Motown classics, and pop anthems that translate beautifully to saxophone. High energy — made for dancing and celebrating.

FunkMotownR&BPop

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Latin Jazz

Rich rhythms and vibrant melodies — bossa nova, samba, and Afro-Cuban jazz that bring warmth, color, and movement to any setting.

Bossa NovaSambaAfro-Cuban

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Classical & Orchestral

Drawing on formal orchestral training, this set brings refined classical elegance — ideal for gallery openings, formal dinners, and upscale receptions.

ClassicalOrchestralFormal

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Pop & Contemporary

Today's hits and beloved modern classics reimagined through the saxophone — instantly recognizable tunes that connect with every guest.

Top 40Neo-SoulModern

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Dinner Ambience

Crafted for restaurant partnerships and private dining. Understated, sophisticated, designed to elevate the experience without competing with conversation.

Dinner JazzSoftAmbient

Events & Venues

Perfect for any occasion

Live saxophone transforms ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences — whatever the setting, whatever the mood.

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Wedding Receptions

From the ceremony processional to the final dance, live saxophone sets the perfect tone for your day.

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Private Dinner Parties

Intimate home gatherings or fully catered affairs elevated with the warmth of live music.

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Corporate Events

Galas, holiday parties, product launches, and client entertaining — make it genuinely memorable.

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Restaurant Residencies

Weekly dinner sets or special nights — keeping guests coming back and enhancing your dining experience.

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Art Gallery Openings

Sophisticated live music that complements the art and elevates the entire opening night atmosphere.

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Birthday Celebrations

Milestone birthdays deserve more than a playlist. Make it a night everyone will talk about for years.

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Hotel & Lounge Residencies

Regular engagements at hotels, lounges, and upscale venues throughout the Chicago area.

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Holiday Parties

Jazz-infused holiday standards and seasonal favorites bring genuine magic to end-of-year celebrations.

Background

Trained. Seasoned. Ready for your stage.

Years of formal training, prestigious performances, and a genuine love of the craft in every engagement.

10+

Ensembles Performed

Years University Training

50M+

Rose Bowl Viewers

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Rose Bowl Parade · Pasadena, CA

National Stage Performance

Performed with the Ball State University Marching Band in one of America's most iconic and most-watched parade events — broadcast live to tens of millions of viewers nationwide. One of the premier performance honors in collegiate band.

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Ball State University · Muncie, IN

Bachelor of Music

Four years of rigorous music education — performing in the marching band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and multiple chamber groups under acclaimed faculty in one of Indiana's leading music programs.

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Ongoing

Bands & Orchestras

Extensive experience performing across jazz combos, concert bands, and full orchestras. Equally comfortable reading charts, improvising over changes, and leading sections — adaptable to any musical context or ensemble.

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Chicago Area

Based in the Northwest Suburbs

Originally from Lake in the Hills, IL — now serving clients throughout Chicago and the northwest suburbs. Conveniently located for the entire metro area, with flexibility to travel for the right engagement.

Book an Event

Let's make your event unforgettable.

Ready to bring live saxophone to your next event? Fill out the inquiry form and I'll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss availability, set preferences, and how to bring your vision to life.

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Chicago & Northwest Suburbs, IL

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[email protected]

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(555) 000-0000

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Available weekdays & weekends

Booking Inquiry

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I'll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your event.