Cody Ray is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at the University of Texas where he studies with Prof. Jerry Junkin and serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the University of Texas Bands. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (‘18) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL under the mentorship of Dr. Sue Samuels, Dr. Gene Fambrough, Dr. Cara Morantz, and Dr. Sean Murray, and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from the University of South Carolina (’24) studying under Dr. Cormac Cannon, Dr. Jay Jacobs, and Dr. Quintus Wrighten.
Before graduate study, Cody served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Cairo High School in Cairo, GA from 2020-2022. Before coming to Cairo, he also served as Director of Bands at Sipsey Valley High/Middle School from 2019-2020 and Director of Bands at Sulligent High School from 2018-2019. During his time at UAB, he maintained an active performing career by performing with the UAB Wind Symphony, UAB Percussion Ensemble, the Sound of the Magic City, UAB Steel Band, and the UAB Pep Band.
Throughout his professional career, he has emphasized his growth as a musician and conductor through active participation in conducting workshops and private lessons. Through these experiences, Cody has studied with Dr. Emily Threinen, Dr. Robert Carnochan, Dr. Jamie Nix, Dr. Kevin Sedatole, Professor Michael Haithcock, Dr. Damon Talley, Professor Craig Kirchhoff, Dr. Scott Boerma, Professor Jerry Junkin, Dr. Alexander Jiménez and Col. Thomas Palmatier. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, and the National Band Association.