John Kurokawa, Clarinet

John Kurokawa is the Instructor of Clarinet at Wright State University where he teaches applied clarinet, chamber music, and classes in music technology and music appreciation. The press applauds his “…warmth, communication, and easy virtuosity” (Cincinnati Enquirer) and “truly flawless technique and intonation…a tone as smooth as silk and velvet.” (Kettering-Oakwood Times).

Mr. Kurokawa currently performs as Principal Clarinetist of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. He has been a featured soloist with both groups, performing the works of Mozart, John Williams, Gerald Finzi, and John Adams. Additional positions include Principal Clarinetist of the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, World Festival Orchestra (Cincinnati), and the Frank Simon Band, Cincinnati’s Premiere Professional Concert Band.

In addition to his teaching and orchestral duties, Mr. Kurokawa has an enthusiastic passion for chamber music. He performs in the Wright State University Faculty Wind Quintet and the Dayton Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet, having given hundreds of educational concerts for children of all ages throughout the Miami Valley and beyond. He also performs in the award winning Prestige Clarinet Quartet, which has been a featured ensemble at the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium and International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest. He holds the B.M. in woodwind performance (specializing in clarinet, flute, and saxophone) from Bowling Green State University and the M.M. in clarinet performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His teachers include Angelo Fortini, Edward Marks, and Ronald deKant.

Mr. Kurokawa performs exclusively on the Yamaha CSG and CSG II clarinets and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.