Originally from Colorado, William Clay has held the position of Principal Bass of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since 1995. Before his arrival in north Texas, he was Principal 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 serves as a board member of Spectrum Chamber Music Society, and has performed as guest artist with Mount Vernon Music, Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth and Chamber Music International. He founded Espectro de Tango, a string quintet focused on performing the music of the tango. 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 several music festivals including Music in the Mountains, Colorado Music Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival. He performs on a double bass by Pietro Cateni of Tuscany, made circa 1800.