Music has been a big part of my everyday life for as long as I can remember.  I grew up listening to the records my mother played-mostly pop music from the 40’s and 50’s.  I would love to just sit in the living room quietly and listen to every instrument played, every vocal inflection sung, and all the different styles of music.  I began trumpet lessons at age 8 (there was NO way, with ten children in the house, my parents would let me take drum lessons) and studied it until college.  I began singing and performing in musicals and a drama troupe when I was 15 years old.  I met the Lord at age 15 and gave my life to my Savior, Jesus Christ, at that time.  This is when I found a reason for singing and playing music-to glorify the Lord, and to communicate His love and reality to others.  In college I taught myself how to play the guitar and bass to lead worship at bible studies, fellowships and churches I attended throughout my teens and twenties.  Career pressures, and then walking away from the Lord in my early and mid –thirties, resulted in a hiatus away from music.  The Lord intervened in the lives of my wife, Farrah and I, and He restored the gift of music in my life.  I reluctantly got involved in leading worship again, at our church, Northgate Community Church in Gaithersburg.  I struggled with fear that the Lord would not see fit to use me or that my witness was compromised.  I found forgiveness and release at the foot of the cross and through brothers and sisters that the Lord led us to at Northgate.  Through the music ministry at church, I was invited to audition for Common Clay in May 2001 and soon joined the band in July 2001.  Since then the Lord has not only blessed Common Clay, but has blessed me in allowing me to minister to people of all ages and walks of life together with these men of God, whom I count as friends and brothers.

~ Ben Wright – Drums ~ 

I’ve been involved with music most of my life.  My dad played the guitar and led worship at the church we attended.  My dad started a worship band when I was 9 years old at which point I decided I would like to take up the drums.  I started playing in jails at 10 years of age.  I have been with Common Clay from the beginning.  My brother Ken and I have been playing music together a good part of our lives. I am a stonemason; well at least I try to be.  I have a wonderful family, a wife and 4 kids (2 boys 2 girls).   I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for Common Clay.  I really desire to make music for the Most High Lord Jesus.  One of my goals is to do full-time ministry, bringing people to the Lord.  I'm also the associate pastor at Solid Rock Community Church in Damascus, MD.  I love to go on mission trips. Click on a flag and you will get some highlights of the trips I've been on. 

~ Ken Wright– Bass Guitarist ~

Grew up in a Christ-loving home in Frederick, MD and accepted Christ in my heart at a very young age.  I got married in 1988 to my best friend, Christy, and have two great kids, Kevin and April.  I have been playing the Bass guitar since 1986 and have been a part of several praise and worship bands.  Common Clay has been a tremendous blessing to me, and I hope that people who listen to our music are challenged to grow deeper in Christ; most importantly, I hope that the name of Jesus Christ is lifted high so that people who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus will be challenged to make that very important life decision.