Contact Us:

Ben Altom Michael Scott

Director of Bands Associate Director

Ben.Altom@pisd.edu Michael.Scott2@pisd.edu 

469-752-6551 469-752-6499

BEN ALTOM

Ben Altom is beginning his 17th year in music education and his 4th year as the Director of Bands at Schimelpfenig Middle School in Plano, TX. Prior to becoming head director, he spent 13 years as the Associate Director at SMS. At Schimelpfenig, he directs the Wind Ensemble, assists with the Symphonic and Concert Bands, and teaches the beginning brass and percussion classes. 

Mr. Altom graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 2007 with a Bachelor's of Music Degree in Music Education. While at Tech, he was a member of numerous performing ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Golden Eagle Marching Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Brass Quintets. He also assisted the University Bands Department in organizing clinics, festivals, and Summer camps. He studied trumpet with Dr. Charles Decker and conducting with Mr. Joseph Hermann.

Mr. Altom was honored to receive a lifetime membership award from the Schimelpfenig PTA in 2019 and the SMS Dave Meger Panther Excellence Award for Teaching in 2023. He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. He resides in Prosper, TX, with his wife Mary and their children, Jaxon, Lily, and Owen. 

MICHAEL SCOTT

Michael Scott is very excited to be beginning his 1st year at Schimelpfenig Middle School and his 10th year of teaching in Plano ISD. At SMS, Mr. Scott teaches the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, assists with the Wind Ensemble, and teaches the beginning woodwind classes. Prior to coming to SMS, Mr. Scott spent 9 years at Clark High School where his bands consistently earned sweepstakes awards. 

Mr. Scott went to High School at North Mesquite, graduating in 2006. He received his music education degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches Texas. While at SFA, Mr. Scott was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Swinging Axes, Lumberjack Marching Band and the Orchestra of the Pines. His last two years at SFA, Mr. Scott was principal clarinetist for the SFA Wind Ensemble and the Orchestra of the Pines.

Mr. Scott is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the International Clarinet Association.

In his free time, Mr. Scott enjoys spending time with his wife Mary and daughter Maggie. He loves video games, movies, and playing golf.