When clarinetist Danielle Allers, an eighth-grade member of Hightower Trail Middle School Symphonic Band, and fellow band members play "Ginger Marmalade" at the internationally acclaimed Music for All National Festival on March 5 in Indianapolis, Ind., one can only imagine the pride she will feel. Not every clarinetist has the privilege to perform music written by her grandfather.

"Ginger Marmalade" is one of 150 works composed by Allers' maternal grandfather, Warren Benson. Considered by some as the foremost composer of the 20th century, Benson also distinguished himself as a conductor, performer, writer and humorist.

A teacher at the esteemed Eastman School of Music for 35 years, Benson's artful compositions have been played at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, The National Cathedral and The White House, along with international locations.

"I feel so grateful and proud to be the granddaughter of Warren Benson," Allers said. "At the same time, I feel sad that he has passed away and can't see me play one of his pieces. My grandfather's pieces are very difficult, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to play this piece with my middle school band."

Up until his death in 2005, the self-taught composer, who played six instruments by age 14, continued to write unique and innovative music geared at challenging musicians. "My dad's music it typically very difficult to play," said Sonja Allers, Benson's daughter and Danielle's mother. "He was able to use his knowledge of all those instruments to challenge the player."

But making music accessible and enjoyable for all through songs such as "Ginger Marmalade" was important for Benson as well. "My father felt that music was all around, and as a former percussionist, he knew one can use cans, flower pots and your hands to make music," Sonja stated. "'Ginger Marmalade' is particularly accessible and is a wonderful introduction to his work."

"It's (Ginger Marmalade) a fun way for young bands to get introduced to his music," she added.

Benson's many significant compositions include Meditation on "I am for Peace," a last-minute commission for the 1990 Washington National Cathedral dedication. Played in a current PBS documentary examining 100 years of the Cathedral, the United States Marine Band also performed the piece in 1993 during the official signing of the Oslo Accords as President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Leader Yasser Arafat shook hands.

Benson, who realized a long list of achievements over his lifetime, including a 1998 Pulitzer Prize nomination in music for his Drums of Summer, is a founding member of both the Percussive Arts Society and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

When Danielle joins her fellow band members playing "Ginger Marmalade," named for Benson's favorite toast spread, the performance will undoubtedly be a noteworthy event in her life.