Ramon “Ray” Ocaño

Ray Ocaño was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, came to the USA as an infant, grew up in Arizona and was introduced to The Salvation Army as a young boy. At age 12 he felt God was calling him to ministry, started in the church as a musician, at the age of 14 became Assistant Children’s Choir Director, taught Sunday School, played in the band, and sang in the church choir. Ray has three adult children and 5 grandchildren!

Ray studied Music Education at Arizona State University at a voice major, has a degree in Ministry, a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Master’s degree in Business Administration and is currently working on a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Ray trained and served as an ordained Salvation Army Officer (pastor) and has served in various music and youth leadership positions in churches in California and Arizona, then migrated into teaching music full-time while continuing to serve in music leadership in churches in Arizona. As well as piano, Ray plays over 15 instruments including brass, strings, woodwinds and percussion.

Having taught music in private, religious, and school settings for over 30 years, Ray moved to Florida in the summer of 2021, and teaches K-8 music at Imagine School North Manatee in Palmetto. He came to Manatee LIFE Church in October 2022 looking for a place to be used by God and to be a part of a community of believers who want to see others transformed by the power of God and serve the community – Truly wanting to be the hands and feet of Christ.