Ray Gonzalez Memorial Jazz Endowed Scholarship

Ray Gonzalez was one of the top reed doublers in Houston Texas his presence will forever be missed, particularly in the musical theatre pits he played in so frequently. Ray’s music education started at South Houston High School in Pasadena ISD where he was given his first opportunity, as a freshman to play for a musical theatre predication of The Boyfriend. After graduating in 1999 he attended San Jacinto Central where he studied saxophone and clarinet. In 2002 one of Ray’s mentors invited him to play in the pit for San Jacinto College’s production of Pirates of Penzance. This would be the moment when Ray realized he could be paid for doing something he loved. With this newfound excitement, Ray transferred to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in August of 2002 where he studied under Dr. Scott Plugge. Ray quickly distinguished himself as an elite jazz musician and developed his skills as an exceptional reed doubler. In 2005 Ray won his first spot as a musician on the Carnival Cruise Line. From 2002 to 2005 while at SHSU his talent and passion for playing in the musical theatre industry grew rapidly as he was given the opportunity to play for several productions. In October 2014 Ray would reach his goal of playing for his first production with Theatre Under the Stars. Ray was also an accomplished teacher for private lessons at local junior high and high schools, mostly in Conroe ISD, Klein ISD, Spring ISD, and Tomball ISD. Throughout his teaching career, he averaged 20-30 students each semester with multiple students making the TMEA All-State ensembles.