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Ken Kagawa

Trombone
Current Position
8 Connections | 8 Followers
To view Ken Kagawa's connections,
Career Highlights/Education
Manhattan School of Music
Winner, Concerto Competition, 2023-Present
American Trombone Workshop
Solo Finalist, Tenor Trombone Divison II , 2022-2023

Experience

Camerata Notturna

2022 - 2022

principal trombone

2022 - 2022
I was called in to perform a concert of Beethoven 6, Sibelius' violin concerto, and a contemporary piece titled "Chasing the Sun". Conducted by Joshua Gersen, the concert was thrilling, with a packed audience in a beautifully resonant church and an introspective, yet exciting performance of the violin concerto by Benjamin Beilman. As a trombone section, we worked effectively to create a rich and transparent sound that still supported the rest of the orchestra, but didn't overbalance the ensemble. This was one of my favorite concerts that I have performed in New York City. The liveliness of the orchestra really set the high energy for the performance.

NYC Master Chorale

2022 - 2022

substitute trombone

2022 - 2022
In this gig, I was called in to perform Bruckner's Mass in E minor on the day of the concert. Unfortunately, the principal trombonist caught a cold and wasn't able to make it, but I was close by so I rushed over to the venue. The concert went well and I was paid the same as everyone else :).

YoungArts

2019 - 2019
Miami, Florida

National Finalist

2019 - 2019
I was flown out to Miami for a one-week long workshop at the New World Center. Here, I was blessed to be able to be taught by Demondrae Thurman, Pascal le Boeuf, and other wonderful professionals. I was placed in a piano trio with saxophone and we performed contemporary music that was light-hearted and exciting. I learned to balance with other instruments and make something meaningful as a group, as well as having a confident stage presence.

Projects and Media

Project
'Tine Tunes
More Info
Project
'Tine Tunes
View Project
Over quarantine, like many others, I decided to put together a small recital-esque program to post on YouTube. I tried to experiment with the type of music I performed, ranging from flute fantasies, to more modern music that even resonated with non-musicians. I believe this project was important to me because it kept the fire ignited within me, as I was playing the trombone less and less everyday. Also, the music that I chose were all pieces that felt like were a part of me. "Over the Rainbow" was one of the first pieces that I ever performed and to have a chance to present as a trombone quartet (one of my favorite ensembles) by myself was powerful. "Romance" by Carl Maria von Weber was a piece that stuck with me for so long, but I somehow couldn't let go of it. To perform it with one of my best friends felt like a proper send-off of the piece and myself, as I was just about to move to New York for school. At first, this project was meant to be small, but ended up having a greater meaning for myself.
Video
YoungArts "Bristol Boys"
performed by Ken Kagawa, Zach Costello, Giancarlo Llerena

Biography

Headshot Resume Artistic Statement

Ken Kagawa

I am a musician, perfomer, and creative residing in New York City. My goal is to create art that is relatable, but personal; something that can resonate with all kinds of people, whether they are musicians or not. I think that this kind of art comes from experience and the people you meet. I have to admit that school has provided me with so much knowledge and proficiency of my instrument and I feel like I am a better trombone technician because of my education. However, I believe that school did not and will not teach me how to become an artist. I would like to work on my storytelling and absorb more of what life has to offer, so that I can bring these aspects into my own playing and performance. I also believe that music pairs really well with other disciplines of art and tends to be more impactful when varied. I would like to work more with other musicians, but also other artists, like dancers, painters, and cinematographers to tell a better tale and present a more powerful performance. 

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Gallery

Press

Industry and Specialty

Orchestra Classical Music Competitions