Benjamin Van Dyken

Benjamin Van Dyken is a sophomore at Clayton High School. He moved to St. Louis from California 8 years ago. He has been playing viola since 5th grade, and started on violin a year before that, but his love for music started when he was 5, playing the piano.  

This is Van Dyken’s first season playing in the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. Van Dyken is a member of his school’s symphonic orchestra and the Tri-M Honors Music Society. He attended Credo St. Louis in 2026. Van Dyken previously studied under Christine Banks and currently studies under Chris Tantillo. Outside of playing the viola, he also enjoys playing piano and guitar, reading, playing video games, and spending time with friends.  

Van Dyken overcomes with gratitude for the people who have supported him along his musical journey, especially his private teachers Christine Banks and Chris Tantillo, orchestra director Daniel Henderson, family, and friends.