Ryan Bays is a dedicated music educator and percussion specialist with nearly a decade of experience shaping young musicians. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Music Education from East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce). During his academic career, he studied under renowned educators and performers including Dr. John Wooton, Dr. Brian Zator, Mrs. Sandi Rennick, Dr. Mark Waymire and Mr. Phillip Clements, each of whom influenced his teaching philosophy and performance approach. 

Bays is an active technician and clinician, frequently working with programs across the region to provide percussion instruction, ensemble development, and marching percussion design. He currently serves as the Percussion Director at Clinton High School (MS), where he leads the percussion portion of the program’s concert, marching, and indoor percussion initiatives. Previously, he was the Percussion Director at Neshoba Central High School, where his ensembles consistently earned superior ratings and won multiple state championships and top placements at regional and state-level competitions. 

With a passion for cultivating excellence in young musicians, Ryan Bays continues to inspire students through his leadership, musicianship, and commitment to advancing the field of percussion education.