Benjamin Blazer, a native of Lancaster PA, joined the Oscuro Quintet in the summer of 2007. Blazer attended Temple University, where he attained a B.M. in music theory and double bass performance, as well as an M.M. in music composition. He studied double bass with John Hood of the Philadelphia Orchestra and composition with Matthew Greenbaum, Maurice Wright and Richard Brodhead. Blazer currently thrives in the field of music education as a faculty member of the music department at Central High School in Philadelphia, as well as a faculty member for the Temple Music Preparatory Division. He continues to compose and have his music performed regularly.