Ryan Ashley was raised in Vilonia, Arkansas.  He graduated from University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2013 where he spent his time playing lead trumpet for their premier Jazz Band 1.  During his time at UAM he performed with Mike Williams, Mike Vax, Bill Watrous, “Blue” Lou Marini, and Tom “Bones” Malone.  He also received high honors at Jazz Festivals across the United States including Elmhurst Jazz Festival.  In 2012, He performed at the Midwest Music Conference in Chicago and in 2014 went on a 14 day tour performing 16 concerts in 12 cities across China.

 

Ryan currently lives in Marion, Arkansas with his wife Jocelyn and daughter Audrey.  He is a band director for West Memphis School District and is an active member of the worship ministry at First Marion Baptist Church.