Bassist and composer Ben Gallina has been living in New York since August 2004, pursuing activities as a performer, teacher and composer. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, he studied with Fred Stone, the late Dennis Monroe, and Ralph Ortiz, and later received his Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music under the direction of Jeff Campbell. Since moving, Ben has continued his education through the incomparable experience of living in this remarkable city. He has carved out a niche for himself performing regularly with a variety of ensembles including rock group Big Swifty, improv music and theatre ensemble FACE, Japanese folk/pop ensemble happyfunsmile, singer-songwriter Matt Kanelos, and has led his own group Electric Medicine. As a free-lance bassist he has performed with jazz-soul-rock singer Dean Bowman, saxophonist-bandleader Jeff Lederer, and several orchestras including Astoria Symphony, New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, and New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble. He is also a member of Outwood, a collective of musicians in upper Manhattan looking to bring new music up north. Equally at home on the double bass and electric bass, Ben is open to playing all varieties of music, from all times and all parts of the world. He also believes in the transformative power of meditation and insight to lessen the suffering of the planet and heal the conflicts of the world.