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.