Ralph Raymond Hays is an experienced educator and performer. He taught instrumental and general music K-12 in Northeastern Ohio and has taught nearby at the College of Saint Rose, Schenectady County Community College, and Skidmore College. He is an award winning composer and arranger with over two hundred published works. His work has received accolades from numerous foundations and ensembles including ASCAP, the Meet the Composer Foundation, the New York Arts in Education Foundation, and the Dallas Symphonic Winds. He has received numerous commissions, and arranged and orchestrated backgrounds for live concerts featuring artists Michael Feinstein and Bernadette Peters.
Professor Hays earned his Ba in Music Industry from the University of Miami where he studied saxophone with Kirby Campbell — former member of the MGM Studio Orchestra, and four time Grammy Nominee, Eduardo Calle. While at Miami, he arranged and composed extensively, coached by Alfred Reed. Ralph received his M.A. in Music Composition and his Ba in Music Education from Kent State University where he taught Saxophone Methods and Music Theory.
Hays currently performs with the Gloversville Wind Symphony, the Music Company Orchestra, the Ballston Spa and Lake George Community Bands, The Racing City Chorus, and Sax Appeal Saxophone Ensemble. Each July, He travels to the Mid Europe Bläsmusik Festival in Schlädming, Austria to serve as co-principle alto saxophone in the World Adult Wind Orchestra.
Juris Doctorate, University of Miami School of Law
M.A, Music Composition, Kent State University
B.A., Music Industry, The University of Miami
• Selected co-principle Alto Saxophone in the World Adult Wind Orchestra, Schlädming, Austria, 2018-2021.
• 2010 Winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Composition Competition.
• Awarded commission to compose a symphonic work commemorating the founding of SUNY SCC 2006.
• Awarded position of Composer-in-Residence at UC Bakersfield, 2003.
• Cast as "Action" in the 1994 Players Guild Theatre production of WEST SIDE STORY.
• Applied Saxophone
• Music Theory
• Arranging
• Music Fundamentals