Mr. Ruffner is a musician, teacher, composer, arranger, writer, and preacher. He has been a band director for 26 years including 20+ years at Fresno High School. Mr. Ruffner is a graduate of California State University at Fresno with a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Music Education. Mr. Ruffner earned his Pupil Counseling Credential from Fresno Pacific College and is currently attending the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary where he studies Theology.

Mr. Ruffner is the leader of the popular Blue Street Jazz Band, which is celebrating its 19th year of existence. The Blue Street Jazz Band performs Dixieland jazz music along with other styles of music including swing, Mardi Gras, folk, and hymns. The band plays all over America. The group has performed internationally in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Mr. Ruffner plays trombone and harmonica in the band and is sometimes featured as a vocalist.
Mr. Ruffner serves as the youth editor for the American Rag and has a monthly column devoted to the promotion of youth Dixieland jazz. The American Rag is a tabloid that promotes Dixieland jazz music across America.
Mr. Ruffner leads a youth band of his own that originated at Fresno High School. The band specializes in the performance of Dixieland music and is called The Raisin Babies Jazz Band. The group was established in 1985.