Saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, and composer William Hollifield was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. While still early in his career, he has enjoyed a variety of experiences as a performer and composer. He began his performance career playing at Carnegie Hall and on NPR's From the Top at the age of just 16. Highlights include domestic and international performances sharing the stage with artists such as Gladys Knight, Everclear, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Taylor Hicks, Sublime, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Nicholas Patyon, Mark DeClive Lowe, Dave Douglas, Eddie Daniels, Blair Crimmins & the Hookers, The Shadowboxers, Chantae Cann, Algebra, Eric Whitacre, Christopher Martin (Principal Trumpet - Chicago Symphony) and Chris Cauley of The Voice.
William is a member of several of Atlanta's top nationally touring groups spanning many different genres. As the saxophonist for the singer-songwriter Wesley Cook, William has opened for Santigold, Pat Benatar, and EOTO. His progressive hip-hop group, Monkier, has opened for Snarky Puppy. With Lightning Orchestra, a large, afro-funk band, has seen international acclaim. And, with Caitlin Andrews, he has recorded for and performed on Sundance Channel's original series "Red Road".
As a composer, William's works have enjoyed both commercial and artistic success. He has written and arranged for The Voice, The Shadowboxers, Jean Kelley, Indee Killed the Pop Star, and the Caitlin Andrews Band. His big band arrangements have been debuted by the Lamont Jazz Orchestra and the ConArtists of Brisbane Australia where he also headlined the Queensland Jazz Festival.
William is one of the most sought after teachers in Georgia. Having taught privately for over a decade, he retains a studio of over fifty students and works constantly with Atlanta-area public and private schools leading sectionals and holding master classes and clinics. He is now on staff at Reinhardt University as the saxophone and jazz instructor. His lessons and articles have been featured on blogs and lessons sites including Lessons with Bob Reynolds and Jazz Drummers Resource. His students routinely rank as some of the top students in the state as members of All State Band, Jazz Band, and Full Orchestra as well as attendees for Governor's Honors Program.
Instrument Set-Up:
Tenor: Mk VI 115,XXX; Jazz: KP Double Ring 6*/GetASax Reso Chamber 6*, D’addario Select Jazz 3M; Classical: Selmer S80 C*, D’addario Reserve 4
Alto: Yanagisawa 9937; Jazz: Morgan Excalibur 7E, D’addario Reserve 2.5; Classical: Selmer S90 180, D’addario Reserve 3+
Soprano: Yanagisawa 993, SopranoPlanet Missing Link, Rigotti 3 1/2S
Clarinet: Buffet R13, Backun Cocobolo Moba Bell, Behn Barrel, Behn Aria 4.5
Bass Clarinet: Leblanc, McClune S2, D’addario Reserve 2.5
Flute: Yamaha 684
William is a Jerry Harvery Audio artist and uses their Roxanne IEM's.
William is a Keith McMillen Artist and uses their SoftStep 2, QuNeo, K-Mix, and 12 Step
William is a Fractal Audio artist and uses their Ax8 multi-effects processor/amp modeler
