BENJAMIN KAMINS
Professor of Bassoon

1111 Alice Pratt Brown Hall 713-348-3339 kamins@rice.edu

Since entering the world of professional music in 1972, BENJAMIN KAMINS has enjoyed a distinguished career as an orchestral player, chamber and solo performer as well as a life-long love of teaching and service. During his nine years as Associate Principal Bassoon with the Minnesota Orchestra, Mr. Kamins taught at St. Olaf and Macalester Colleges and was a member of the Aurora Wind Quintet.

After coming to Houston in1981, as Principal Bassoon of the Houston Symphony, his life remained diverse and his artistic presence deepened in the community. His varied musical interests led to his being a founding member of both the Epicurean Wind Quintet and the Houston Symphony Chamber Players. Faculty appointments came at the University of Houston and then at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. This allowed for extensive personal involvement with fine institutions and the communities they serve. In addition, Mr. Kamins spends his Summers on the faculties of the International Festival-Institute at Roundtop and the Music Academy of the West as well as serving as Principal Bassoonist of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. Now as a Professor at Rice University’s Shepherd School, Mr. Kamins continues his commitment to our young musicians and to classical music performance.