Ray Hilley – Director of Bands
Mr. Hilley (H-Diddy) is entering his 20th year of teaching band in Texas and his 11th at Wilson Middle School. He began his teaching career in the Richardson ISD teaching at both Lake Highlands High School and Forest Meadow Jr. High. Following his time in Richardson, he taught for two years in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD at Cross Timbers Middle School and for five years as the director of bands at Argyle Middle School in Argyle, Texas.
Mr. Hilley earned both his Bachelors degree (2002) and Masters degree (2021) from Sam Houston State University. While at SHSU, he studied euphonium with Dr. Henry Howey. He also studied conducting with Dr. Matthew McInturf and Dr. Allen Hightower. Mr. Hilley was principal euphonium of the SHSU Wind Ensemble, a member of the Bearkat Marching Band, and played piano with the SHSU Jazz Ensemble.
During his career Mr. Hilley’s bands have consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes Awards and many Best in Class trophies at various festivals. His bands have been participants in the ATSSB State OPS (Outstanding Performance Series) winning runner up in the “March” category in 2011 and 2012. In 2019 the Wilson MS Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis Indiana. He is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi.
In his free time, Mr. Hilley is a faithful fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns. He is an avid cyclist and runner. When not spending his weekend at a race, you can find him reading, cooking, playing with his English Bulldog Fiona, or traveling with his girlfriend Jen.
Chad Waterman – Assistant Director
This will be Mr. Waterman’s 19th year of teaching and his 11th year at Wilson Middle School. His first year of teaching was in a K-12 music program in Michigan. After attending graduate school, he moved to Texas and taught in the Arlington School District as a band director and percussion specialist for four years. He has been in the Northwest School District for the past ten years.
Mr. Waterman attended Grand Valley State University where he was a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steeldrum Band and Marching Band. After teaching for one year in the public school system of Michigan, Mr. Waterman worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron. While at graduate school, he studied with Dr. Larry Snider and was a member of the grammy nominated UA Steelband, under the direction of Matthew Dudack. As a percussionist, Mr. Waterman is a member of the Percussive Arts Socitey, Texas Music Educators Association, and Texas BandMasters Association. He lives in Haslet with his wife Sarah and two daughters, Leah and Paige.
Mr. Waterman spends his free time riding his bikes, golfing, and working on projects around the house. He and his family like to travel, spend time outdoors, and take advantage of all good weather days.
Britany Clark – Assistant Director
britany.clark@nisdtx.org
Britany Clark is thrilled to be joining Northwest ISD at Wilson Middle School for her 4th teaching year. Her prior experience was spent opening a new middle school in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw and assisting Chisholm Trail High School as a marching and visual tech. Mrs. Clark studied music education at Texas Wesleyan University under Dr. Paul Sikes (conducting) and Dr. Meg Griffith (flute). She was an active participant in chamber, jazz, percussion ensemble, and community choir. She is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Sigma Alpha Iota.
Mrs. Clark’s biggest supporters are her husband, Ricky, and daughter, Abigaile. Abbey is excited to start her musical theatre studies at Texas Wesleyan this year, and their two dogs, Jude and Bella, complete their perfect family. In their time spent together, Ricky and Britany enjoy cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, being active outdoors, working out, and supporting the arts
Truett Wilson Middle School Band 