Kody Jernigan, a native Texan, now resides in central Kentucky as a full time student, performer, and educator. From a young age, he has always had a deep fulfillment for visual and performing arts. As a student, Kody continues to explore and refine the many different elements that go into music making. He is a first call trumpet player in the tristate area and has performed with world-class musicians and performers. He attributes much of his success to his mentors and, because of this, demonstrates the importance of inspiring students into his own teaching. Kody currently serves as the Jazz Trumpet Teaching Assistant at the University of Kentucky while pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance.

Fluent in many styles of music, Kody regularly performs in a wide array of musical settings. He has served as principal trumpet for classical ensembles such as the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra, Kentucky Intercollegiate Wind Ensemble, and the Portsmouth Chamber Orchestra. As a Lead Trumpeter, he has performed with the Kentucky Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble, the Reunion Big Band, University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble, Faith Works Studios, Woodford Theatre, and numerous corporate bands. He also holds the importance of historically informed music to a high standard. He has performed with the Portsmouth Baroque Orchestra, the Christ Church Cathedral Baroque Orchestra, and his Baroque Trio won second prize at the North American Baroque Trumpet Competition and Conference in 2024.

Kody understands the value and importance of good music education. Because of this, he devotes much of his time teaching his students and working with music programs in his local community. He has impacted the lives of thousands of students across the nation and many of his students have achieved successes of their own. Some of their achievements are, All-State Wind Ensemble, All-State Jazz Ensemble, Macy’s Great America Marching Band, Drum Corps International, All-District, college scholarships, graduate assistantships, and professional performing experience. He teaches weekly trumpet and jazz theory lessons to his private studio and presents masterclasses to local music programs.

Throughout his professional career, Kody has performed at many conferences and competitions. Some of these include, The International Trumpet Guild Conference, The National Trumpet Competition, The William Adam International Trumpet Festival, The North American Baroque Trumpet Competition and Conference, The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the Music Education Associations in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas.