Raymond K. Casey
1917 - 1990
Ray Casey, a violinist and well-known arranger and conductor, was associated with three Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities during his career as a musician. He was arranger for and conductor of ad hoc orchestras associated with Chapel Records and with numerous performers and events in Southern California.
Casey was born in Loma Linda, California, the oldest of five children born to Ethel Knight and Ira L. Casey. Music was an important activity in the home since his mother was an accomplished pianist and pioneering music teacher in the Adventist church. When he was ten, the family moved to the Washington, D.C., area. He attended Shenandoah Valley Academy and then Washington Missionary College, now Washington Adventist University, where his mother taught in the music department.
While still a student at WMC, Casey conducted the college orchestra and taught violin from 1938-40. He served in the military during World War II, working as an arranger and composer for the U.S. Navy Band. From 1947 to 1948, he was an assistant professor at Union College, where he directed the band and orchestra. His concerts were regarded as program highlights in the year he taught at UC.
Casey moved to the West Coast, where he became known for his conducting and composing and arranging skills. He was a sought-after musician who was associated with numerous events in both Adventist churches and other settings.
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Sources:
1930 Census Records; The Sligonian, WMC school paper, 1930s; 1939, 40 Golden Memories, WMC yearbooks; Conversation with Anna Lee Schander (UC), 1978; Pacific Union Recorder, 12 March 1947, 25 October 1971, 27 November and 11 December 1972, 26 March 1973, 6 January 1975, 4 February 1990, 4 February 1991.