Kristin Nakagawa is a clarinetist born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She earned her B.M. from Indiana University Bloomington and her M.A. from San Jose State University. From 2016 to 2023, she served as the 2nd clarinetist of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, and from 2016 to 2024, she served as an Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at CSU Bakersfield.
Kristin now performs regularly with her partner Jason Gomez as the Air & Water Duo and with Dr. Amelia Smith as Sungawa Duo. These projects aim to bring classical music to a wider audience.
In addition to her performing and education directives, Kristin has her coaching practice Wealth of the Ronin, where she leads other musicians, artists, and creatives to design more deeply aligned creative lives.
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The San Gabriel Valley Symphony is a professional orchestra created by working musicians and local leaders to reflect and serve the San Gabriel Valley—focusing on community engagement and social impact. Our mission is to show the next generation in the SGV that a career in the arts is not only possible, but capable of creating real change in their communities and beyond.
