By Julia Oudiz
Online Features Editor
Successful Mira Costa alumnus David Benoit is playing the way to large-scale Los Angeles tours.
Benoit began playing the piano when he was six years old while living in Bakersfield, before moving to Hermosa Beach. Growing up, he says he was influenced by both rock and roll and surf music, which were both popular around the Hermosa Beach area.
“My mom and my dad were my biggest influences,” Benoit said. “[The hardest part about jazz music] is trying to sound convincing enough to be a jazz musician.”
Photos: Successful Mira Costa alumnus David Benoit is playing on tour in Los Angeles
Benoit attended Mira Costa from 1967 to 1971. During his high school experience, he was asked by his drama teacher, Mrs. Smith, to write music for a school production of Tom Jones, where he says he learned essential music skills. He learned about choral music from his music teacher, Mr. Wilhem.
“Mr. Wilhem [was] a funny guy with a superb musical background,” Benoit said. “Mrs. Smith hired me to write all the music and play in the pit band. [It was] an invaluable experience.”
Link: Visit David Benoit’s website to learn more about his music
Benoit plays the piano and keyboard and is also a conductor for multiple orchestras, including the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. While he writes most of his own songs, he occasionally plays cover music as well. His agent in Beverly Hills books most events for him, but he says he books smaller events himself, such as private events for charities.
“[I play] contemporary jazz,” Benoit said. “Some people call it smooth jazz and credit me as one of the founding fathers of it. [My favorite part about touring is] meeting the fans and seeing new places.”
Benoit has been nominated a total of five Grammys for several music accomplishments such as best instrumental for jazz fusion and best composition. He also recently won a participation Emmy award for his work on the latest Charlie Brown 50th Anniversary television special for ABC, he says. He was also featured in the Mira Costa Hall of Fame in 2012 for being a successful almunus and being a distinguished pianist.
Link: 2012 Mira Costa Hall of Fame article featuring David Benoit
“It is always a pleasure to be recognized for doing good work,” Benoit said. “The limitless creativity of [playing music] is pretty awesome.”
Benoit returned from a tour in London, England on Jan. 23 and played in Los Angeles on Feb. 6. He occasionally plays in Manhattan Beach, however, is not currently planning any future tours in the area.
“I always look forward to playing for the fans,” Benoit said. “I hope to play in many cities in Europe and Asia.”
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