Drew Benware - Drew hails from North Bangor, NY, and has many fond childhood memories of participating in the parades and revues of the Malone Winter Carnival, never having dreamed that he would be honored with royal participation in the esteemed Saranac Lake Carnival! He grew up loving all things musical with a particular passion for piano, voice, and trumpet and left the North Country to pursue musical studies at Ithaca College where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees, taught as assistant professor, and continues to serve on the faculty of the Summer Music Academy. Drew first came to Saranac Lake as a young camper at Camp Guggenheim and was instantly infatuated with the natural beauty of this community, and even more so by the kindness, creativity, and passion of its residents. He was blessed to have received his first teaching job here in 2003 as Director of Instrumental music. While a master's degree and other employment kept him away from the mountains for five years, his heart remained tied to Saranac Lake, and in 2011 he returned to the high school as Director of Choral Activities. Drew loves being able to make music is this creative and supportive community, not only at school, but as organist for St. Bernard's Church, accompanist for Northern Lights Choir, and artistic director of the Northern Adirondack Vocal Ensemble. He is the son of Daniel Benware and Barbara Winthrop-Benware of North Bangor, and brother of Nicholas Benware and his wife Elizabeth as well as proud uncle of Cameron and Zachary of Plattsburgh. He is thrilled beyond measure to have been selected by the Court to be the 2018 Winter Carnival Chamberlain - and over half have sung in his chorus! Having dedicated his life to teaching the students of Saranac Lake, he finds it intensely humbling that they should bestow on him this honor and looks forward to serving alongside them as positive ambassadors throughout what promises to be an amazing Adirondack Festival!
