Listen.
One song started the unstoppable chain of events that resulted in music of many colors, layers, and intricacies. Learn about Ryan’s journey in the timeline below.
High School- Time in the NWA Jazz Society
The essential stepping stone into my career was the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Allstars Youth Ensemble, a branch of the NWA Jazz Society non-profit, where Ryan auditioned in the band as an 8th grader. In that band, Ryan got to learn from and play alongside jazz greats Conrad Herwig, Victor Goines, Bobby Watson, Alphonso Horne, and Sammy Miller. He was introduced to another world of musicians, and he found mentors like Jazz Society Curator Robert Ginsburg who are by his side to this day.
Northwest Arkansas
Living in Arkansas before college, Ryan been in the music scene in Arkansas since he was 16. His roots include music hotspots like the smoky George’s Majestic Lounge, pristine Crystal Bridges Museum, or the breathtaking view from Mount Sequoyah. At 17, Ryan began teaching music lessons in hopes to spread his musical values to others.
Texas
Ryan Yumang currently studies music as a Jazz Studies Saxophone major with a minor in Music Business at the University of North Texas. In the lab bands, he performed in many places in the DFW area like the Chevrolet MainStage at the Texas State Fair and Sundance Square in Fort-worth. He played alto on two albums that were released on all platforms: Straight ahead album “Off the Charts” and “Golden Mist Metallic Tea”. He also works in corporate music companies and does various free-lance work in Dallas Fort-worth.
Common Questions answered by Ryan Yumang
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My first instrument was violin, and my second instrument was guitar. Saxophone is my main instrument and double in the woodwinds flute and clarinet.
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I was first chair, first band in jazz on alto for all 3 years I was allowed to compete (10-12). I also was in the first band wind ensemble for classical sax all three years.
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No. I spend about half of my year in Arkansas and the other half in Texas.