Hello! :) I am Mr. Benitez and I have been the Director of Bands at Wood MS since September 2023 and teaching middle school band since 2010!

At Wood, I oversee all activities in the Wrangler Band program and teach/direct the Honors Band, Concert Band and co-teach the Symphonic Band. I am also in charge of teaching all beginning woodwind and percussion classes. The Wood Band is a successful band program where we have received Superior and Excellent ratings at UIL and numerous festivals. 

I earned my Bachelor of Music Education from the School of Music at Texas State University - San Marcos in 2010. In January 2024, I will begin my Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the College of Liberal Arts - Music at University of Texas – El Paso.

My professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), National Flute Association (NFA), and Tau Beta Sigma Fraternity (TBΣ). I currently serve as the TMEA Region 12 Middle School Band Coordinator, which I have held since May 2021.

In addition to all his musical endeavors, I enjoy traveling and spending time with his family, friends, and dogs.