Eli Bender

Eli Bender is a versatile cellist, fiddler, educator, arranger, and composer with a passion for community music-making. Originally from northern Michigan, Eli studied cello at Michigan State University and went on to perform and collaborate across North America.

His career has included recording studios, regional symphonies, touring ensembles, and collaborative projects, as well as teaching and directing school music programs. During his time on Vancouver Island, Eli founded a strings program at Selkirk Montessori School, co-created a summer string retreat on Gabriola Island, and joined the Victoria Conservatory faculty.

After four years directing a public school orchestra program in Michigan, where he received his district’s Teacher of the Year award, Eli has returned to the West Coast. He is excited to join the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music faculty, teaching cello, while continuing his work as a performer, arranger, composer, and community music educator.