Mr. Benton, B.M., M.A.

Originally from Midland, Texas, Mr. Benton is entering his 13th year of teaching and his third year with ECISD and Odessa High School. A member of the drum line in the Might Bulldog Band, and a violinist in the MHS orchestra, Mr. Benton quickly realized his love and passion for music in school.

Continuing music in college, he is a graduate from West Texas A&M University where he earned his Bachelor’s of Music with Education Certification and his Master of Arts in Music, with emphasis in conducting. During his time at WTAMU, Mr. Benton studied percussion with Dr. Susan Tariq, Violin with Dr. Keith Redpath, and Conducting with Dr. Mark Bartley and Mr. Don Lefevre. He participated in numerous ensembles, including the WTAMU Symphonic Band, WT Wind Ensemble, WT Symphony, and the WT Percussion Ensemble. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinifonia.

Prior to coming to Odessa, he spent 10 years as a band director in Pampa, Texas. While in Pampa he worked with everything from beginner clarinets, low brass, and horns, to the Junior High Bands, to the High School Honor Band, the Pride of Pampa Marching Band, and the Pampa percussion ensembles. Mr. Benton was the Director of Bands from 2017 to 2022, and during his tenure his ensembles made six consecutive sweepstakes appearances at UIL Contests and Evaluations.

Mr. Benton lives in Odessa, TX, with his wife, Sharon, and their three cats, Leo, Lily, and Fozzie.