John Kurokawa currently performs as Principal Clarinetist of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Springfield Symphony Orchestra (OH). 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). He has been a featured soloist with the DPO and CCO, performing the works of Mozart, John Williams, Reena Esmail, Gerald Finzi, John Adams, and others. In the summer Kurokawa performs as Principal Clarinetist of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s festival, ‘Summermusik’ and has also performed as guest Eb clarinetist and guest Principal Clarinetist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and as guest Principal Clarinetist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, he gives educational concerts at schools all over the Miami Valley with the Dayton Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet and is a founding member of the Prestige Clarinet Quartet, which has been a featured ensemble at the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium, International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest, and many other universities and national symposia.
Kurokawa is also Senior Lecturer of Clarinet at Wright State University. In addition to teaching applied clarinet, he teaches courses in woodwind chamber music, woodwind pedagogy, and music education. He has performed on the International Double Reed Society Conference, published articles in the Triad, presented at the Ohio Music Education Association Conference, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and in 2013, was one of twenty faculty members recognized by Wright State University for Excellence in Teaching General Education. A highly sought after teacher and clinician, he continues to present masterclasses and clinics for colleges, high schools, and youth orchestras across the midwest.
Kurokawa holds the BMin woodwind performance (specializing in clarinet, flute, and saxophone) from Bowling Green State University and the MM in clarinet performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His teachers include Angelo Fortini, Edward Marks, and Ronald deKant.
Kurokawa performs exclusively on Yamaha clarinets and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.