Cody Ray is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting at the University of South Carolina where he studies with Dr. Cormac Cannon and serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the USC 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. 

Prior to 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. Cody has had the privilege to perform alongside the likes of Mark Ford, Michael Burritt, Andy Harnsberger, and the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. He also served as a student technician with the marching band and taught the UAB Drumline in 2017. Cody marched with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012, Double Stop Indoor Percussion in 2013, and served as a tenor technician in the 2017 Summer DCI Tour with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. 

During 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. 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, Georgia Music Educators Association, and the National Band Association. 

He is also married to his best friend, Kelli, and together they have a dog named Aria.