Bennett’s love of music began at a very young age. He was borderline-obsessed with his grandmother’s (someone who he affectionately called “Bub”) old Casio keyboard and enjoyed singing along to Disney movies and kids shows like Barney. At age 3, he gave his first ever performance during a local Christmas cantata. He hijacked an extra mic during the performance and brought down the house! It was the beginning of a life-long passion for singing and entertainment that still has not died even to this day.

Bennett enjoyed being part of the music program both in elementary and high school. He was a proud member of the chorus throughout his time at West Branch. He competed in many choral festivals throughout high school and placed 5th chair Tenor II at PMEA All-State Choir his senior year! As a member of both West Branch Drama Club and Front and Centre Productions, he brought iconic characters like the Beast, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, the Phantom of the Opera, Mr. George Banks, and the Baker—all the while entertaining and enchanting the audience with his strong, beautiful voice.

Even today, Bennett is an extremely active and productive member of his local arts community, playing numerous roles on the CAST stage like Monsieur Constantine Bouc in Murder on the Orient Express and even Shrek in Shrek the Musical.

I can only compare his beautiful singing voice to sunlight-radiant, warm, and capable of stirring something deep inside you. It’s not just about perfect pitch or technical skill (though those definitely do help); it’s the emotional resonance, the way one’s voice is a vehicle for the melody and text and makes it all feel personal.

Bennett’s dream has always been to perform on a professional level. Pursuing one’s dream is like chasing a horizon—you never quite reach it in a single step, but every move forward reshapes the view. Could the final round of the IKF Karaoke Cup be Bennett’s next step? Fingers crossed!

Bennett placed 3rd at the State Level is now off to the National Competition in Las Vegas in November.

If you could help in any way… any contribution to fund his trip to Las Vegas to compete in the competition is appreciated. ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you,

— Missy (Bennett’s mom)