About
Native of South Korea, Dr. Choi began his clarinet journey in the elementary school band program at Walnut Creek, California and started majoring in clarinet performance at the Busan High School of the Arts in South Korea. Currently, he is the Adjunct Clarinet Professor at Inje University and the Principal Clarinetist with The Soloists Philharmonic.
During his undergraduate years in Donga University, Dr. Choi received third place at the National Busan Music Competition and won two concerto competition with the Busan Philharmonic. Then, he went to Indiana University to study with James Campbell for his master’s degree and the doctorate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with J. David Harris. Prior to his current position, Dr. Choi served as principal clarinetist with the Ft. Collins Symphony (CO), Great Falls Symphony (MT), acting principal with the Sinfonia da Camera Orchestra (IL), and Visiting Professor in Clarinet at Silla University.
In the Band realm, Dr. Choi performed in one of the top university bands in the United States. He was very fortunate to perform at the Carnegie Hall, under the guidance of Professor James F. Keene and at the Indiana University with Professor Ray Cramer. Dr. Choi had a once in a lifetime experience performing under the baton of the great Frederick Fennell.
Internationally, Dr. Choi has given performances in Belgium, Spain, Japan, and South Korea collaborating with international clarinetists. A devoted enthusiast of the clarinet choir, Dr. Choi has performed with numerous clarinet choirs such as the Busan Clarinet Choir, Kansai Clarinet Society, and Jubiler Clarinet Ensemble. He has also directed the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign clarinet choir as wells as being invited to clarinet day festivals as guest conductor. Dr. Choi is very passionate about chamber music and his experience blossomed when he held the position as Resident Clarinetist for the Chinook Winds Woodwind Quintet in Montana.
Dr. Choi is grateful to have this musical gift and to be able to travel the world performing the clarinet for a wonderful audience. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis (NTRP 4.0), golf, jogging, and watching vintage movies with his lovely wife Woohee and his son Dustin.
