DAVID BYASS, B.Mus.
David Byass comes from a musical family, with dad playing the piano and a bass singer, and brother Dominique as a trumpeter. David started piano lessons at the age of 6, and despite moments of wavering enthusiasm, took quite a liking to it. However, his musical interests would soon expand further. As a result of hearing his older cousin, Courtney Fadlin, play saxophone in various concert settings, the desire to pick up the smooth-sounding instrument soon blossomed. Upon reaching the 5th grade, Mr. Byass started to play the alto sax, and piano was still a big part of his life. Throughout high school and college, he was exposed to jazz, R&B, and gospel, which greatly influenced his playing style on both instruments.
Mr. Byass attended Washington Adventist University, where in addition to playing in several different musical groups, he pursued a double major in both Music Education and Music Performance.
Besides teaching Saxophone, Clarinet (occasionally flute) and Piano at Ottley Music School, he currently is the music director (directing the bands, string orchestra, piano, chorus and general music classes) at Central High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He plays a variety of gigs on both saxophone and piano, ranging from wedding receptions and studio work to church services and revivals.