David Nakazono

David Nakazono, a trumpet virtuoso, enchants audiences with his soulful performances, transcending boundaries and fostering connections through the universal language of music.

David Nakazono is the Principal Trumpet of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, dividing his time between Honolulu and Chicago, where he performs with Lakeshore Brass, the South Bend Symphony, and other ensembles across the Midwest. David’s passion for the trumpet took root in his youth, where he quickly developed a strong dedication to the instrument. He later pursued dual studies in Physics and Trumpet Performance at UC Santa Barbara, ultimately realizing his true calling as a musician.

After earning his Master’s degree at the Chicago College of Performing Arts and training with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, he co-founded Lakeshore Brass, where he brings his passion for music and performance to the ensemble. Whether performing as a soloist, with an orchestra, or in a brass quintet, David strives to create a uniquely human connection through the transformative power of music.

Music Story

David Nakazono found his true voice in the trumpet, a medium through which he connects with audiences, fellow performers, and himself. For David, music transcends language, culture, space, and time, creating a uniquely human connection. Raised in a military family, his musical journey began early, performing in Europe before finishing high school. As a child, David spent car rides buzzing on a trumpet mouthpiece, and by middle school, he was hooked on the trumpet. His path to music was not straightforward—he also explored academics, sports, and piano—but through it all, trumpet remained his constant. While studying Physics and Trumpet Performance at UC Santa Barbara, David found himself at a crossroads: one path leading toward a career as a physicist, the other as a musician. A defining question from his father—"When are you going to quit trumpet?"—prompted David to realize that music was his true calling. This epiphany set him on a path to earn a Master’s degree at the Chicago College of Performing Arts and train with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. As the Principal Trumpet of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, David divides his time between Honolulu and Chicago, where he performs with Lakeshore Brass, the South Bend Symphony, and other ensembles across the Midwest. His musical journey has taken him around the globe, forging connections with countless individuals along the way. Whether performing with an orchestra, a brass quintet, or as a soloist, David seeks to inspire resonance between people and the world through music.

Continued Exploration:

As a founding member of Lakeshore Brass, David contributes to Chicago's rich musical tapestry, enriching the cultural landscape with his ensemble's vibrant performances. With each note he plays, David's commitment to his craft and his unwavering passion for music shine through, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Testimonials:

"5 stars across the board! Not only is Dave an excellent and accomplished musician, but he was also very professional in his dress and the way he handled himself. Dave was willing and did accommodate any requests we made. He made our event even more special and we are very thankful." — John Kocol

"I’ve had the pleasure of playing with David for many years, and he is one of the most prepared trumpet players I’ve met. He always knows the music, has a vision for the piece, and even when he’s sight-reading, it sounds like he’s played it dozens of times! Plus, he’s so much fun just to be around!" — Nick Mazuk