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OUR STAFF
Mr. Jeremy Ray
Band Director
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Mr. Ray is also a member of ASBDA.
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.
Outside of the classroom, Ray is a proud husband to his wife Tracey and a devoted father to their two children, Ivy and Jimmy.
Mr. Hunter Mullins
Asst. Band Director
Born in 2001 and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Hunter Mullins developed a passion for music at an early age. Mr. Mullins attended Grimsley High School, where he was an active member of the marching band. His experiences as a student musician helped inspire a lifelong passion for music and education.
After graduating from Grimsley, Mr. Mullins attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, earning a degree in Music Education. Following college, he relocated to Poughkeepsie, New York, where he spent two years teaching at Little Water Preparatory Charter School. During this time, Mr. Mullins gained valuable experience as an educator and continued to develop a strong commitment to helping students discover the power and joy of music.
In 2025, Mr. Mullins returned to Greensboro and began serving as the Assistant Band Director at Grimsley High School, returning to the school and music program that played an important role in his own development as a musician. He also serves as the General Music Teacher at Parkview Village Elementary School, where he introduces students to music through engaging and creative educational experiences.
As a music educator, Mr. Mullins is passionate about inspiring students, fostering creativity, and creating meaningful musical experiences that encourage students to develop both their musical abilities and their confidence. Through his work in both band and general music education, he strives to make a lasting impact on the students and communities he serves.