1308 Productions has always recognized outstanding music educators. We are consistently appreciative of the role that music teachers play in the lives of students. This is through our support of youth music performances, school music programs, and our annual scholarship awards. After 39 years of incorporating music into the lives of students, their families, their schools, and their communities, Ray Modia retired in 2020.
Ray Modia, now a legendary educator and band director for Miami-Dade Public Schools, began his career in 1981 and recently retired after an amazing career in education. Although he is best known for his work at Nautilus Middle School, he has also taught at Florida universities and in churches and programs throughout the western hemisphere. Additionally, he served as a judge for the Florida Band Masters Association. He was also Director of the Department of the Arts at Nautilus Middle School, and as Director of the Christian Symphonic Band of Guatemala.
Mr. Modia has an Associate Degree from Miami Dade College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University, and three Master’s Certifications from the University of Miami in Music Composition, Music Technology, and Jazz Studies. In addition to teaching jazz bands, he led symphonic bands and guitar ensembles. Students of his have continued on to study music at high schools, colleges, universities, and other advanced programs internationally.
Ray Modia has earned the respect and admiration of students, other teachers, school administrators, and professional musicians throughout his distinguished career as a dedicated, highly skilled, enormously caring educator. 1308 Productions is very proud to shine the spotlight on a truly extraordinary educator and person for all of the work he has done for music education in particular and for so many others in general. Thank you Ray Modia, and we look forward to watching you achieve more remarkable things in the future!
“Modia,” as he is fondly known to his students, is also an internationally recognized professional musician who showcases his talents and his teaching method Seminario de Musica. He has performed with artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Alex Acuna, Davis Sanborn, Kevin Scott, and the Buena Vista Social Club. As well as being a Grammy Award nominee in 2014 and 2017, he has been a recipient of awards from the City of Miami Beach, the Town of Surfside, the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues, the American Legion, and as the Council for Exceptional Children’s Mainstreaming Teacher of the Year.
