Ben Holthaus was raised on a farm near Martelle, Iowa. From Drake University he holds Bachelor degrees in both Music Education and Performance. He attended Temple University in Philadelphia where he received Masters degrees in Music Theory and Performance. Returning to Iowa he taught vocal music in Burlington and Waukee, experiencing every level from Kindergarten through high school. He formerly taught oboe students at Simpson College. Ben came to First Baptist as a bass section leader and assumed the role of director from his predecessor, Dr. Marion Hall, in 1989. Ben currently teaches sixth grade in Waukee where he resides with his wife, Wanda, and sons, Harrison and Dmitriy.