BIOGRAPHY​
An American clarinetist and educator from Chicago, Illinois, Danny King is currently studying at the Manhattan School of Music under the guidance of Charles Neidich. He holds bachelor's degrees in music education and clarinet performance from Illinois State University, where he studied with Dr. David Gresham.​
Performing with the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra and various Musical Theater Pit Orchestras, King is also a clarinetist and co-founder of Hydra Winds, coached by Valarie Coleman. Additionally, he serves as a substitute member in Symphony in C, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, and Chelsea Symphony Orchestra. His summer festival participation includes fellowships with the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival and DeCoda Chamber Music Festival. Having been principal clarinet and Eb clarinet for the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and the National Intercollegiate Band, King has also achieved recognition as a chamber musician, winning the Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition at Manhattan School of Music. At Illinois State University, he earned accolades as the 2022 Concerto-Aria Competition Winner and was a finalist in the Band Concerto Competition and the U.S. Army Collegiate Concerto Competition.​
As an educator, he has experience as a woodwind instructor for the Bloomington High School Marching Band and as a private clarinet teacher, alongside teaching elementary general music. Recognized as a Presser Scholar at Illinois State University, he excels in various music genres, including classical, chamber, musical theater, opera, jazz, and conducting. Through his Instagram clarinet account, he shares practicing techniques and sample excerpt videos. Outside of music, he enjoys interior design, coffee, and visiting zoos!