Kate Johnson is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Clarinet Performance and a minor in Choral Vocal Technique.
She studied clarinet with John Dorch and David Atkins. Kate also studied with Mitchell Lurie, Robert Marcellus, Rosario Matzeo and Clark Brody. While living in Germany, Kate performed with a German Fest Band and was principal clarinetist with the Weiden Symphony Orchestra. As a military spouse, moving frequently, music was her way of joining the local communities and provided many unique musical and cultural experiences. Aside from her clarinet work, she has also worked with multinational choirs across the US, Germany and Russia. Prior to being full-time with the Royal Hawaiian Band, Kate performed with them part time for 23 years.

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When not playing her clarinet, Kate is an avid cyclist and triathlete, having competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI and has earned her coaching certifications with USACycling and Precision Nutrition.