Ray Heberer III has been a full-time band director at Taipei American School (TAS) in Taiwan for 21 years.  TAS has 11 bands, including Jazz Ensemble and four band directors.

Ray also plays 1st Trombone in the Taipei Jazz Orchestra.  He also plays tuba and electric bass.  

On January 21-24, 2017 he will be a clinician at the Fu-Jen Jazz Camp in Taiwan.   He also plays tuba and electric bass.  Prior to TAS he was Bass Trombonist in Taiwan’s National Symphony Orchestra and taught at China Culture University and Soochow University, both in Taiwan.

Ray has also worked with bands and adjudicated festivals in Hong Kong, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Canada and the USA.

In addition to his work as a music educator and performer Ray organizes and leads relief trips, including:  

• Nepal (2016) – funding and construction of a primary school and a computer center in Salyankot VDC (Dhading District) including donations of 40+ laptops, 3 projectors and 6 guitars. (a projector, guitar & cash was also donated to KJC)
• Philippines (2015) – Orphanage assistance
• Cebu (2014) – Super-Typhoon house-building & jazz performances
• Japan (2012) – Tsunami relief trip & music performances
• Ghana (2009) – Music instrument donations & teaching
• Thailand (2005 & 2006) – Tsunami relief trips, including instrument donations, performances & lessons
• Taiwan (1999 & follow-up trips) – Earthquake relief trip & music instrument donations/concerts/instruction
• Ghana (3+ years) Rural development, school construction & agriculture extension
• Taiwan (21 years & running) – Charity concerts for orphanage

In March 2017 Ray will lead a follow-up trip to Salyankot to focus on computer & health education (and guitar lessons!)

Ray received his Master of Music (Trombone Performance) from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC).  His teachers included “Buddy” Baker (trombone & euphonium) and Dr. Gene Aitken (Jazz).  As a student Ray received Downbeat Magazine awards for Classical Soloist, Jazz Ensemble (with UNC Jazz Lab 1 Band) and Vocal Jazz Choir (with UNC Opus Jazz Choir).