Cody Ballard

Bio

Cody Ballard is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator, and multi-instrumentalist based in Arkansas. Originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas, Cody (b.1992) started taking private saxophone lessons from Kenneth Carroll when he was 15 years old. After graduating high school, he attended Arkansas State University, where he received a Bachelor of Education in Music in 2016. He then was awarded a full graduate assistantship and moved to Cincinnati Ohio to study jazz at the prestigious University of Cincinnati- College Conservatory of Music. Cody graduated in 2018 with a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Studies.

During his residency in Cincinnati, Cody performed with world-class musicians in the tri-state area of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He gained top quality education from names such as Craig Bailey, Steve Allee, Rick VanMatre, James Bunte, Kim Pensyl, and many others. His playing always turns heads in any venue and is a source of pride for the institution and community. Throughout his educational preparation, Cody has worked diligently to expand his educational opportunities; attending clinics, teaching, and substitute teaching in the area.

Since moving back to his hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas he served as Assistant Band Director at Paragould High School from 2018-2022 and Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone at Arkansas State University during the 2021-22 school year. During his time at Paragould the Band program has seen a remarkable list of accomplishments including: state championships in every season; hundreds of students placed in concert and jazz All-State, All-Region & University Honor Bands; 15+ marching invitational grand championships; outstanding woodwind and music captions under his leadership.