Marques Young is the principal trombone of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (Kuala Lumpur/ Malaysia) and since 2016 under his artist name „Q Sound“ as a jazz artist with his own group.
With his rich experience in composing and performing music from his favourite genres jazz, R&B, hip hop and electro to soul, funk and classical music, audiences can expect nothing less than raw talent, skill and a continuous evolution from Q Sound.
Since moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2009 from New York, Q Sound or better known as Marques Young has made profound contributions to the development of the growing jazz culture in Southeast Asia. Through his bands ‚Q Sound Band‘ and the ‚Bassment Syndicate‘, he has led numerous performances at jazz venues throughout the region, including sold-out performances at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas as part of DFP’s Happy Hour Series. He’s also initiated several educational projects where he has had the opportunity to mentor outstanding young jazz musicians. Among these projects, the Jazz Camp at DFP, mentored by Marques and a number of young jazz stars from New York City, resulted in his appointment as artistic director of the Encounter Jazz Program.
Marques began his musical studies at age twelve with the euphonium under the direction of Gordon Manley. At sixteen, he was also playing trombone, and in 2001 was accepted into Arkansas Tech University School of Music, studying under Dr. Will Kimball. During his undergraduate studies, he received numerous awards and honors, including an invitation to the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Solo Competition, where he was awarded first runner-up.
In 2003, Marques began his studies at The Juilliard School under Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic. During his orchestral training at Juilliard, Marques found continued success in solo competitions. In 2005, he won the Frank Smith International Trombone Solo competition, and in 2006 won both The Eastern Trombone Solo Competition and The International Trombone Association’s Van Haney Orchestral Solo Competition. He was also a member of the award winning Trombone Ensemble “Dease Bones” and „The Lionshead Brass Quintet“. During his time in New York, Marques was invited to perform with the American Brass Quintet, Buffalo Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic.
In 2008, Marques was accepted into the Jazz Studies Program and received private instruction under jazz greats Wycliffe Gordon, Steve Turre, Ron Blake, and Carl Allen. He has also had the honor and privilege of performing and sharing the stage with a wide range of jazz legends, including Benny Golson, Paquito D’Rivera, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Terri Lyne Carrington, Adam Rogers, Gil Goldstein, Helen Sung, Paulette McWilliams, Eddie Henderson, James Morrison, Marvin Stamm, Wycliffe Gordon, Benny Green, Buster Williams, Chris Botti, Victor Lewis, Clifford Adams, Christian Jacob, Gerald Wilson, Sheila Majid, Victor Goines, Maria Schneider, Valery Ponomarev and Lew Soloff. He has also performed with Lalah Hathaway, The Clark Sisters, Cheryl “Pepsi” Riley, Kim Davis, and Milo Z. Marques was a member of the West Village All-Star band “The Union,” led by Elan Lanier.
Currently based in both Malaysia and New York, Q Sound when not performing classic symphonic repertoire with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, can be found on stages with the Patrick Terbrack Quintet, Eleven Fela Orchestra, Najwa Mahiaddin, The Juny Brothers as well as Bassment Syndicate or in festivals in the region and beyond as a THEIN performing artist.
Marques Young plays exclusively THEIN Trombones.