About Awan

Awan was first handed an alto saxophone when he was nine years old and has spent a good amount of time since then studying and striving for improvement. With the exception of 5th grade, he was always a member of the band at whatever school he was attending. After graduating from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, he attended SUNY Schenectady County Community College for two years before transferring to, and graduating from SUNY Purchase in 2023. In his early years he was a member of the ESYO Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensembles, as well as the NYSSMA All-State Big Band. More recently he has performed at many well-known jazz clubs in NY such as Birdland, Dizzy’s, Smalls, Ornithology, and also performs in the capital region with various bands. In 2024 he performed at the Stowe Jazz Festival.

During his early development he studied with local capital region saxophonist/educator Brian Patneaude. At SUNY Purchase he then studied with Ralph Lalama and Gary Smulyan, and has been asked to perform with other musicians who were faculty at the time. In 2024 he began performing with Matt Wilson, playing tenor sax in Matt's band "Permission Slip" and alto in his band "Good Trouble." Since graduating, Awan now spends time teaching, freelancing, and practicing. In late 2023 he began learning to play the double bass and has hopes to be worthy of the bandstand one day.

Contact and Social Media:

Instagram: @this_is_awan

Facebook: Awan Rashad

YouTube: Awan Rashad

Email: awanrashadmusic@gmail.com