Since its formation in 1982 the Dakota Wind Quintet has been well received throughout the state of South Dakota and the Midwest, giving concerts and lecture demonstrations, as well as live performances on MPR and SDPB Radio. The majority of the Dakota Wind Quintet’s time as a chamber ensemble is spent in the community performing at concert halls, colleges, community centers and public schools. Its members also serve as principal wind players of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, enriching and enhancing the quality of orchestra music in this region.
William Cedeño Torres was appointed Principal Flute in May 2016. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, William started his musical career at the age of 9 in “El Sistema.” After moving to the United States, he attended Idyllwild Arts Academy as a post-graduated high school student under a full scholarship. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and continued his studies at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music before joining the SDSO.
Jeffrey Paul, Principal Oboist since 2003, attended the Eastman School of Music and the University of Southern California. As a conductor, Jeffrey has conducted the SDSYO Philharmonia orchestra since 2008. He is also a pianist, saxophonist, educator, improviser, and composer, and has written several pieces for the Lakota Music Project, as well as for other various classical and jazz ensembles.
John Tomkins, Principal Bassoon since 2002, has participated in many music festivals including the National Orchestral Institute and the Tanglewood Music Center. Mr. Tomkins also serves as Principal Bassoon of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and is the Bassoon Instructor at Augustana University and University of Sioux Falls.
Christopher Hill, principal clarinetist of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra since 1987, has performed with Baltimore Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New Sousa Band, Evita World Tour, and the Carousel National Tour. He is Conductor Emeritus of the Sioux Falls Municipal Band, and is the creator of his own line of mouthpieces. He teaches at Augustana University, and has taught masterclasses at Peabody, University of Southern California, and other universities across the nation. He is an artist for Royal Global clarinets and D’Addario reeds.
Daniel Kitchens, Principal Horn since 2016, has performed with orchestras across the world including the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, The Minnesota Orchestra, and the National Orchestra of the Dominican Republic. Mr. Kitchens completed his studies at Texas Christian University, the Royal College of Music in London, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Southern Methodist University. In 2021, Daniel was honored to make his solo debut with the SDSO, performing Strauss’ Second Horn Concerto. In addition to music, Daniel enjoys gardening, reading, and working on the occasional woodworking project.