Raymond P. Woods has been the Musical Director of the South Coast Singers since January 2002. He is the Artistic Director of the South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School where he has served as a vocal music teacher for over 25 years. Ray has an extensive background in music which includes being an accomplished pianist, organist and harpsichordist with over 30 years of experience in choral directing. He received his B.S. at Whittier College, an M.A. from Occidental College and has done doctoral studies at the University of Southern California. During his career he has founded and directed several community chorales and is currently in his 24th year as the choral director for the United Methodist Church in Garden Grove. He has touched the lives of innumerable families in South Orange County. Ray and his wife, Amy, reside in San Juan Capistrano, where they have lived for over 20 years. In November 2007, Ray was named Outstanding Arts Educator of the Year in Orange County.

An accomplished pianist and former student of Raymond Woods, Brian has been the South Coast Singers’ accompanist since March 2002. He attended Dana Hills High School and the University of San Diego. Brian majored in computer science with a minor in music and piano. Currently employed as a computer software engineer, Brian is also the pianist at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Dana Point. He resides in San Juan Capistrano with his wife, Melissa, who is also a member of the South Coast Singers.

Besides his duties as President of South Coast Singers, Robert works as a Certified Financial Planning Professional, Branch Manager, and Senior Vice President of Investments for A.G. Edwards in San Juan Capistrano. Robert graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a finance degree.

Robert has been performing for more than 25 years and has appeared in local musical productions and television commercials (currently represented by Bloc Talent Agency). His passion is musical theater, and his greatest artistic satisfaction comes from helping young people learn their craft and to appreciate live theater. He has been assisting the drama programs at San Clemente High School for the past six years. His lifetime goal is to win a Broadway Tony Award as either an actor or a producer—he’s not choosy so he’ll humbly accept either one!

For community service, Robert is currently serving as President of the foundation for the Saddleback Hospital, San Clemente Campus and is also a member of the hospital’s endowment council. He is a member of the Orange County Planned Giving Roundtable as well as the South Orange County Estate Planning Council. Robert has been a long-time member of the San Clemente Rotary Club where, in addition to serving as their song leader, he serves on the scholarship committee, is the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Chairman, and serves as the advisor for the Interact Club of San Clemente High School.

Robert's greatest pride is derived from his family. Married to Sandra for 22 years, they have raised a family in San Clemente. He is the proud father to Crosby (UC Berkeley), Noah (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and Cassidy (9th grade).