ABOUT THE ARTIST
ROLAND HAYES YOUNG, SR
 
RESIDENCE: Alexandria, Virginia
HOMETOWN: Charlottesville, Virginia
INSTRUMENTS: Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano, Keyboards
GENRES: Jazz, Gospel, Popular, Classical and R&B
 
Roland Hayes Young, Sr., veteran musician and master Saxophonist, is considered a virtuoso on both the Tenor and Alto Saxophone as well as the Clarinet Mr. Young, who received his early education in the public schools of Charlottesville, Virginia, also majored in Instrumental Music (Saxophone) and minored in Piano at Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia. While attending Virginia State, Mr. Young was a member of the Symphonic Concert Marching and Jazz Band. Mr. Young, who has been a student of music for over 50 years, received his music theory instruction from Afrika Hayes, a Soprano and daughter of the late great Internationally famed African American Tenor singer, Roland Hayes, his namesake.
 
Some of the highlights of his career are:
  • Performed at a reception at Shenandoah Music College honoring the Honorable John Warner (R-VA) and Ms. Elizabeth Taylor
  • Performed at the Commonwealth of Virginia Club, Richmond, Virginia for Former Governor Charles Robb
  • Performed at a reception for former Virginia Representative Lindsay Dorrier
  • Performed at a reception at the Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville, VA, in honor of Veteran Reporter Walter Cronkite
  • Performs for University of Virginia activities during the Academic School Year
  • Performs with same jazz group he helped organized over 50 years ago
 
Additional highlights include:
  • Training and sponsoring elementary, middle and high school students interested in music and who excel in Saxophone and Clarinet to cameo in one of his concerts
  • Participating in Career Day activities at various Public Schools in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia
  • Performing at Group Homes for the Mentally Disabled
  • Performing at Senior Citizen Events
  • Competing in National, Regional and Local Gospel Events
  • Performing at Church Services, Weddings, Talent Shows, Community Events, Local Hospitals and Private Parties
 
Mr. Young has been a trailblazer with the saxophone, performing his first concert at the age of 17 with his Mother, the late Ella Barnes, a Renowned concert pianist. Mr. Young also was “First Chair” saxophonist while a student at the former Jackson P. Burley High School. He was also chosen as one
of nineteen (19) All-State Band Members from Jackson P. Burley who performed at the Virginia State University in 1958. He won high acclaim for his performance.
 
Mr. Young, accomplished musician and music teacher, is also a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.