Benjamin Pierce is the Director of Bands for San Marcos CISD. He primarily directs the Wind Symphony and Rattler Marching Band in addition to assisting with the other ensembles at San Marcos High School.

A music educator residing in Austin, Texas, Mr. Pierce was previously the Director of Bands at Goodnight Middle School. Prior to this role, Mr. Pierce served as the middle school director at Pelion Middle School in Pelion, South Carolina. During his time, the Honor Band received recognition with Excellent and Superior Ratings at the Concert Festival. Additionally, he assumed the role of Assistant Director at Pelion High School, helping lead the Pelion Marching Pride, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band to success. The Marching Pride achieved numerous superior ratings and secured the bronze medal in the 2022 SCBDA State 2A Finals.

Mr. Pierce earned his degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Here he served as a Teaching Assistant for the high brass section of the Pride of the Mountains, consisting of 120 trumpet and mellophone players. His involvement extended to performing french horn for the WCU Wind Ensemble, conducting master classes, and participating in the WCU woodwind quintet's performances. In his leisure time, Mr. Pierce enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and pickleball. Additionally, he enjoys working on his car project and spending quality moments with family and friends. Mr. Pierce is excited to be a part of the SMCISD family and performing music with his students!

Shelbi Mago is the associate director of bands at San Marcos High School. She primarily teaches the Symphonic Band, in addition to assisting with other ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and Rattler Marching Band.

Mrs. Mago graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor of music studies with an instrumental emphasis in 2019. In her time at Texas State, she performed under the baton of Dr. Caroline Beatty with the Texas State Wind Symphony, where she served as the principal french horn player. During her time with this ensemble, she was able to perform at many events of prestige, including the TMEA and CBDNA conferences. Mrs. Mago was also lucky to spend some time with Dr. Caroline Watson as she served at the principal horn for the Texas State Symphony Orchestra. Outside the standard concert ensembles, she also enjoyed being able to participate in many other ensembles at the university, including the Texas State Ceremonial Brass, the Texas State Horn Ensemble, and serving in leadership roles such as section leader and drum major of the Bobcat Marching Band. 

Prior to joining the team at San Marcos High School, Mrs. Mago was an elementary music teacher in Round Rock ISD, where she taught at Anderson Mill Elementary IB World School for three years. She served as the specials team lead and helped coordinate many school community events as well as organized, curated and produced the campus year book. 

Mrs. Mago is happily married to her husband, Juan, and shares their home with their two dogs and cat, who keep their life busy and entertaining. Outside the band hall, she enjoys caring for her ever-growing assortment of houseplants and hunting for Pokémon cards to add to her collection. Mrs. Mago is proud to be a Rattler and a contributing member of the greater San Marcos community.