Mr. Barry is a former Hillsborough student who graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree in 2022. Ryan’s great experience in Hillsborough’s band program led him to want to teach music, and he began his teaching career at the Weehawken Public School District. Here, Mr. Barry taught 5th and 6th grade band and general music, and was also the assistant Weehawken marching band director. Mr. Barry also works with the Hillsborough High School marching band as a brass/visual technician which he has done for several years. Mr. Barry is a trumpet player who still enjoys playing through various gigs and community ensembles and is super excited to work at Hillsborough Middle School! Mr. Barry’s other passions include aviation (holds a private pilot’s license), computers and cars! 

After earning her BA in Music Education from The College of New Jersey, Mrs. Coates started her teaching career in Hillsborough teaching elementary music. Currently, she is one of the band directors at the middle school and has been teaching 7th and 8th grade band, jazz ensemble, pit orchestra, and marching band since 2006. Most recently, Mrs. Coates earned her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership: Instruction at The College of New Jersey in 2017. Mrs. Coates enjoys participating in many other musical endeavors both in and outside of school, including performing in The Eastern Wind Symphony, performing in various musicals, and maintaining an active private lesson studio for clarinet students. Mrs. Coates is also involved on the state level through the Central Jersey Music Educator's Association and organizes the Elementary Honors Band Day with over 350 elementary band students. Mrs. Coates currently resides in Hillsborough with her husband Tom, son Lima, and their dog, Gus.