Mr. Ratcliff earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in 2007, National Board Certification in 2015, and a Master's in Educational Leadership at George Mason University in 2024, Mr. Ratcliff also completed course work in Curriculum and Instructional design at the University of Virginia. 

Mr. Ratcliff is the Director of bands at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia and opened Rock Ridge HS in 2014. In 2022, Justin served as the interim caption supervisor for the audio team with the Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps and as the Audio Caption head for the 2023 season. In 2024, Mr. Ratcliff served on the Audio team for Carolina Crown.

Mr. Ratcliff is an active adjudicator, clinician, consultant, arranger, visual designer, program consultant/coordinator, music designer, and sound designer for high school and college programs across the United States. Mr. Ratcliff currently serves as the Virginia Band and Orchestra Association District 16 state marching representative and VBODA State Adjudicator. Mr. Ratcliff is a Member of VMEA, VBODA, and NAFME. Justin also served on the Virginia Music Educators Association conference planning committee for 17 years as the Exhibit Hall Business manager and coordinator.