Stephen Payes is a saxophonist from Ashburn, Virginia, often acclaimed for his exploration of extended technique of the saxophone, continuously searching for where his limitations on the saxophone will end. He has been selected for both the VBODA All-Virginia Band and All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble on multiple occasions throughout his time in high school. He has performed at local venues like Epicure Café and Jammin’ Java, world-class stages such as the prestigious Carnegie Hall, and at conferences like the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Professional Development Conference in Richmond, Virginia, and the 14th Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in Orlando, Florida. He also has performed in Sevilla, Spain, and Paris, France, with the Shenandoah Conservatory Saxophone Ensemble. Stephen has studied under Jim Carroll, Luis Hernandez and Craig Fraedrich, and currently studies with Darryl Brenzel at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia, where he pursues a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz & Commercial Music. He also is a collegiate member of the Nu Psi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, where he has served as Fraternity Education Officer and Historian. Outside of music, Payes enjoys cooking, being with friends, and playing with his dogs.