Brown and Smith Bands
Forney ISD
Mr. Nicholas Wilson
Director of Bands
Nicholas Wilson is entering his 8th year of teaching and is excited to begin his second year in Forney ISD at Brown Middle School and Smith Intermediate. Previously, Mr. Wilson has taught in the Cedar Hill ISD and in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. While in HEB ISD, the Central Junior High Band program was selected as one of four middle schools in the nation to perform at the 2019 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.
In 2015, Mr. Wilson received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. Where he studied under Dennis Fisher, Clay Couturioux, and Dr. Nicholas Williams. While in college, Mr. Wilson was a member of the UNT performing ensembles, as well as a member of the University of North Texas Green Brigade marching band.
Mr. Wilson conducts the Honors Band, assists with the Symphonic Band. He also teaches beginning clarinet, trumpet, and french horn. Bands under Mr. Wilson have consistently earned sweepstakes UIL ratings, and other contest.
Mr. Wilson is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. He looks forward to mentoring and helping all of his students excel on a daily basis.
Mr. David Schmittinger
Assistant Band Director
David Schmittinger is entering his first year of teaching. Mr. Schmittinger is excited to be the director of the Symphonic Band as well as teach the beginner flute, double reed, and euphonium classes at Smith Intermediate.
Mr. Schmittinger graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce in Commerce, Texas with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education. During his time at TAMUC, he performed with the "Pride" Marching Band, serving as the head drum major of the "Pride" in 2022. He is also an alumni member of the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. In addition to these college activities, he spent time teaching marching band and private lessons at schools across the DFW Metroplex. Mr. Schmittinger also completed his final semester of college student teaching at Jackson MS and Forney HS in the spring of 2023!
Mr. Schmittinger is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Young Band Directors of Texas, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He is looking forward to a bright year of student success!
Mrs. Elyssa Sheridan
Assistant Band Director
Elyssa Sheridan is looking forward to her fifth year of teaching and her second year in Forney ISD. She will be teaching 5th Grade Music and 6th Grade Beginning Band at Smith Intermediate. Previously, Ms. Smith taught for three years in Edgewood ISD where she successfully led the middle school band to multiple contests and oversaw the beginning band program. She also assisted with the high school band and taught PK-5 general music.
Mrs. Sheridan received her Bachelor's of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. As a clarinetist, she participated in multiple performing ensembles including the Green Brigade Marching Band. She was also awarded the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Collegiate Music Educator Award during her student teaching semester.
Mrs. Sheridan is an active member of the TMEA and Sigma Alpha Iota, an International Music Fraternity. Outside of school, she enjoys attending sporting events and baking. She is excited to help build young musicians in Forney ISD!
Mr. Colin Crouch
Percussion Director
Being a Texas native, Colin Crouch graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce with a bachelors degree in music education, studying under Dr. Brian Zator, Cory Doran, Kent Hillman, and Sandi Rennick. During his time at this university, Mr. Crouch was a member of The Pride Marching Band, jazz bands, steel bands, percussion ensemble, and concert bands.
Following the Bachelors degree, Mr. Crouch went on to graduate from The University of Alabama with a masters degree in percussion performance studying under Dr. Andrew Lynge. At this university he was given the opportunity to perform with the UA percussion ensemble for there 2021 PASIC showcase concert, and the UA wind ensemble for their 2023 CBDNA showcase concert. Additionally, Mr. Crouch was the frontensemble coordinator for The Million Dollar Band.
Mr. Crouch is excited to be a part of the Forney ISD team to continue to maintain a high level of musical excellence and education.