Mr. Benjamin Petree is the Director of Orchestras at Ronald Thornton Middle School. This program constantly collaborates with the directors at Baines Middle School, Crawford High School, and Ridge Point High School to ensure the Sienna Orchestra students have a meaningful and educational musical experience that creates a sense of community over the course of their seven years.

Mr. Petree is originally from Plano, TX, where he fostered a love for music through the exceptional orchestra programs at Carpenter Middle School, Clark High School, and Plano Senior High School. The support and encouragement of his directors inspired him to pursue music at the University of Houston, where he studied Music Education and Composition. Mr. Petree credits his success to the mentorship of his teachers, including Mr. Wayne Brooks, Dr. Rob Smith, Dr. Erin Hansen and Maestro Franz Krager. The positive impact of music on his life is what ultimately led him to pursue a career in music education, with the goal of giving back to his community and cultivating a healthy appreciation for the arts among young musicians.

When he is not teaching or playing viola, Mr. Petree enjoys spending time reading, walking, practicing piano, traveling, listening to new music, going to the symphony, and spending time with friends and family.