Clay West
Clay West joined the faculty of Sam Houston State University in 2021. He is an honors graduate of Howard Payne University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music as a student of Cynthia Sheppard and was named a Presser Scholar. Mr. West continued his studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as a student of C. David Keith and at Sam Houston State University as a student of Allen Hightower. Mr. West also holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Andover Newton Theological School.
Mr. West taught public school for eleven years and was named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. He comes to Sam Houston State University from Conroe High School, where he was the Head Choir Director. Under his direction, the choir consistently received superior ratings at UIL and various festivals, performed across the country, most recently Carnegie Hall in 2019, and established itself as a notable program in the state of Texas. In addition, numerous students earned placement in TMEA all-state ensembles and many went on to become future educators.
During his time in Region 9, Mr. West served as a section leader, mixed and honor choir coordinator, and Region Vocal Chair. In addition to his service in Region 9, Mr. West has also served as Tenor Section Leader for the TMEA All-State Mixed Choir, Organizer for the TMEA All-State Mixed Choir, and TMEA Convention Coordinator. Mr. West is an active UIL and festival adjudicator, clinician, and maintains active memberships in the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association and the Texas Choral Directors Association.