Ray Link and Jill Taylor first became aware of the Music Academy of the West while walking past its gates each day on their way to Butterfly Beach. Curious about what lay beyond the beautiful grounds, they received their answer in 2015 when friends and longtime Academy supporters Diane and Selby Sullivan gifted them tickets to a vocal performance. Enthralled by the setting, Hahn Hall, and the caliber of the recital, Ray and Jill reached out to the Advancement Office, who soon invited them to a Vivace member event and recital at the President & CEO's home, deepening their introduction to the organization. Ray, a former CFO of a high-tech public company and former treasurer of the Florida Symphony Orchestra, was impressed by the Academy's professionalism, ambitious vision, and strong financial stewardship. Jill, a lifelong lover of classical music, was equally enthusiastic about supporting a world-class cultural institution in their community.

In their first year as Councilmembers, Ray and Jill immersed themselves fully in the Academy experience, attending the Gala along with dozens of performances, master classes, and the popular Friday Picnic Series. Jill, a retired advertising executive and natural promoter, frequently invites both longtime residents and newcomers alike to performances, recognizing that many are still unaware of the extraordinary, international-level artistry available right in Santa Barbara. Over the years, the couple has annually sponsored a Fellow through the Scholarship Circle and has served as Compeers to vocal Fellows-relationships they continue to cherish as they follow the Fellows' growing careers and successes through social media.

One of their most meaningful experiences was serving as Compeers to a viola student from Connecticut, who-at Ray and Jill's encouragement-invited friends to visit Santa Barbara during the summer. "These young adults were incredibly bright, as you'd expect," Jill notes, "but because they had spent so much of their lives practicing music, they were especially appreciative of simple experiences-whether it was exploring the area, playing bocce ball, or just grabbing an ice cream at Rori's."

Today, Ray serves on the board of a high‑tech public company and is the current chairperson of the Boys & Girls Club Rally and Gala. Jill is a volunteer docent at Lotusland and serves on both Lotusland's Gala Committee and the Music Academy's Gala Committee. Together, they are proud supporters of the new Music Education Center downtown, contributing to the building fund, and they actively encourage music lovers from outside the region to join the Encore Society-a reflection of their belief that the Music Academy of the West is a world-class institution with global reach and impact.

After more than a decade in Montecito, Ray and Jill continue to enjoy their daily walk to Butterfly Beach while remaining deeply committed to the cultural life of Santa Barbara. Their ongoing support of the Music Academy reflects not only their love of music, but also their conviction that excellence in the arts enriches communities far beyond their immediate borders.