The Toronto Symphony Orchestra just scored a new sound courtesy SFCM’s Woodwinds Department.

Clarinet player Johnny Wang has joined the lauded orchestra as Associate Principal and E-flat clarinet. “Toronto is a city full of life and filled to the brim with arts and culture. It is truly an honor to be part of this community,” Wang said. 

Prior to heading north Wang was Acting Assistant Principal and E-flat clarinet of the North Carolina Symphony, a position he held since 2022.

Wang graduated from SFCM in 2021, where he worked with faculty Carey Bell. “Studying at SFCM with professor Bell was very pivotal for me.” Wang said. “He is such an expressive musician who is an endless source of inspiration for me. Being so close to Davies Symphony Hall also helped me attend San Francisco Symphony concerts almost weekly! It was such a treat to hear all my mentors in action, and hearing whatever excerpts I was working on in context.”

“Johnny was a joy to teach and to know,” Bell said of his former student, “He showed inquisitiveness, curiosity, and a deep love of making music. I am so proud of him as he starts his professional journey!”

SFCM’s Woodwind Department is made up of renowned faculty, many of whom are members of the San Francisco Symphony. Professors inspire the next generation of great wind players as they explore orchestra and chamber repertoire, contemporary music, and canon literature. Small class sizes and tailored instruction help aspiring woodwinds transform from student to professional.

Calling the audition process “nerve wracking” but also “exhilarating,” Wang’s advice for young musicians is to “be mindful of your mental health! The audition process can be very tough, so it is very important to maintain your best mindset and mental state possible, for both your performance and your well being.” 

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) was founded in 1922 as the New Symphony Orchestra. Since then, it has become one of Canada's most respected arts organizations and is vital to the city's cultural life.

“Be curious and listen to a lot of music, classical or otherwise,” Wang states as far as advice for students, adding, “have a ton of perseverance.” 

“Lastly,” he concludes, “Don’t just practice excerpts all day, go touch some grass!” 

Learn more about woodwinds at SFCM.