Originally from Colorado, William Clay has held the position of principal double bass of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since 1995. Before arriving in north Texas, he was principal bass of la Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla y Leon in Spain and was a charter member of the New World Symphony. An active chamber musician, Bill has performed as a guest artist with a variety of ensembles including Spectrum Chamber Music Society, Mount Vernon Music, Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth and Chamber Music International. Together with his colleagues he founded the double bass quartet, The Funkytown Allstars, performing many of their own arrangements throughout North Texas. As a soloist he has performed concertos with the Fort Worth Symphony, New World Symphony, Colorado Symphony and Metropolitan State University Symphony. Bill holds degrees from Indiana University and Metropolitan State University. He has served on the faculties of the University of North Texas and Texas Wesleyan University.

He has performed as guest principal with the Oregon Symphony, and performed with the Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas Symphonies. He has performed with music festivals including Music in the Mountains, Colorado Music Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival.

With the Fort Worth Symphony, he performs a double bass by Pietro Cateni of Livorno, made between 1790-1810, as well as a modern bass by Hannah Mayne.

He has been a member of multiple musician committees including Players Committee, Artistic Advisory Committee, Broadcast Recording Committee, Musician Ambassadors and Symphony League. He was chosen by the musicians and staff as FWSO Distinguished Musician of the year in 2003.

In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, alpine hiking and an occasional tango with his wife Adrienne.