Jeremy Ray is a passionate conductor and educator who has been a vital presence in the central North Carolina music community for over 25 years. With a deep commitment to inspiring and shaping young musicians, Ray has dedicated his career to fostering a lifelong love for music in his students.

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His teaching journey began in 2000 at West Montgomery Middle and High Schools, where he led the concert band to its first superior rating at MPA (Music Performance Adjudication) in over three decades—one of only two in the school's history. During his time there, he grew the program from 80 to over 200 students across grades 6–12. In 2001, Ray took the helm of the band program at Southeast Guilford High School, where he spent the next 18 years leading award-winning ensembles. Under his direction, the school’s marching band, jazz ensemble, and concert groups consistently earned top honors at competitions and adjudications. A highlight of his tenure was the Southeast Guilford Jazz Ensemble’s performance at the 2009 NCMEA Conference.

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Since 2019, Ray has served as Director of Bands at Grimsley Senior High School in Greensboro, where he continues to energize and grow the program. Under his leadership, Grimsley’s wind ensemble and concert band earned their first superior ratings at MPA since 2004, and student participation in county and district honor bands has significantly increased. His impact has been felt school-wide, with school leaders praising the revitalized energy he brings to the program.

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Ray takes particular pride in the many alumni who have continued their musical journeys in college bands at institutions such as Appalachian State, Brevard, UNC-Chapel Hill, Davidson, Florida A&M, UNC-Greensboro, Lenoir-Rhyne, North Carolina A&T, NC State, Virginia Tech, and Western Carolina.

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He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Appalachian State University, a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Ray was honored as “Band Director of the Year” by the Central District Bandmasters Association in both 2012 and 2022, and received the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from the CDBA in 2023 in recognition of his outstanding career in music education.

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One of his most memorable productions, Southeast Guilford’s 2015 marching show “What Will Your Verse Be?”, reflects his educational philosophy: that music is a powerful vehicle for expression, connection, and human growth. Jeremy Ray is deeply grateful to the students, families, colleagues, and mentors who have been part of his journey—and theirs.

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Outside of the classroom, Ray is a proud husband to his wife Tracey and a devoted father to their two children, Ivy and Jimmy.

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