Directors
Mr. Christian Scott and Mr. Jason Ray
Hillcrest Middle School Band Directors
Mr. Christian G. Scott
864-355-6155
Christian Scott received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from The University of South Carolina in 2007 and his Master's degree in Music Education from The University of South Carolina in 2009. During his time at USC he served as an active member of the Mighty Sound of the Southeast (USC's marching band), the USC Concert Band, the University Choir and various athletic pep bands. During graduate school, Mr. Scott served on staff with the Congaree New Horizons Band (a beginning band program for senior adults) and founded the Crescent Moon Jazz Band (a beginning jazz band for senior adults). He is a member of the South Carolina Band Director's Association, the Music Educator's National Conference, South Carolina Music Educator's Association, the National Band Association and an alumni member of Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary fraternity for college band members.
Mr. Scott began his professional career at Tanglewood Middle School (Greenville, SC) in 2010. While at Tanglewood, the band program tripled in size - growing to around 200 members. Under his direction the band received numerous awards and distinctions, including the program's first "Superior" rating at the SCBDA Concert Performance Assessment in 2015 as well as the program's first "Superior, With Distinction" rating awarded in 2016. Mr. Scott was awarded a citation of excellence in Music Education from Greenville County School District in 2013 and served as Teacher of the Year for Tanglewood Middle School during the 2015-2016 school year. Mr. Scott became the director of bands at Hillcrest Middle School in 2018. Mr. Scott was selected as Hillcrest Middle School's Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year and was also recognized as the First Runner Up for Greenville County School District's Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Scott also serves on staff with the Hillcrest High School Red and Black Brigade. He serves as a guest clinician for other middle school programs in Greenville County and throughout South Carolina, and is the state chairman for the SCBDA Solo and Ensemble events held each spring. Mr. Scott plays baritone saxophone in the Upstate Winds performance ensemble and is a founding member of the Carolina Sax Quartet.
A loyal Gamecock since birth, Mr. Scott enjoys attending sporting events affiliated with The University of South Carolina. His favorite superheroes/characters are Darth Vader, Batman, Deadpool, Iron Man and Superman. He also enjoys attending church, jogging in downtown Simpsonville, trying to golf, trying to play tennis, playing Xbox (Resident Evil, Call of Duty, Madden, and FIFA games are his favorite) and spending time with his wife (Rebekah), his three year old son Graham, family, and friends.
Mr. Jason Ray
864-355-6175
Jason Ray received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Furman University in 2012. During his time at Furman, he served as an active member of The Paladin Regiment (Furman's marching band), the Furman Wind Ensemble, the Furman University Jazz Band and Bellfire Brass Quintet. He is a member of the South Carolina Band Director's Association and the South Carolina Music Educator's Association.
Mr. Ray began his professional career as the Assistant Band Director at Dutch Fork Middle School (Irmo, SC) in 2012. Under his direction the band received numerous awards and distinctions, including multiple "Superior" and "Superior with Distinction" ratings at the SCBDA Concert Performance Assessment. After his time at Dutch Fork, Mr. Ray served as the Director of Bands at Seneca Middle School, where he led the Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Under Mr. Ray's direction, the Seneca Middle School Band received consistent Superior Ratings, as well as the Outstanding Performance Award for all three years of his tenure. Mr. Ray became the band director at Beck Academy in 2018. After doubling the size of the sixth grade band in his first year, Mr. Ray established the Symphonic Band and led them to a Superior with Distinction in Grade III music.
Mr. Ray also serves on staff with the Hillcrest High School Red and Black Brigade marching band. Mr. Ray plays trumpet in the Poinsett Wind Symphony.
His favorite characters are Obi Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and Aragorn. He also enjoys playing video games (League of Legends, Valorant, Elden Ring) and spending time with his wife (Alex), his three year old daughter Rosalyn, and his three dogs (Drake, Betty, and Cricket).