John Azpuru Jr. (Johnny) is a graduate student in Clarinet Performance from the Chicagoland area (Palatine, IL).  He received his Bachelor of Music in the Spring of 2023 from the University of Kentucky, where he studied under Dr. Scott Wright.  Johnny has spent this past summer at the Belgian Clarinet Academy studying with a few of his idols, Dr. Deborah Bish, Dr. Bob Spring and Stephan Vermeersch. At The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Johnny has been working on his Masters degree under the tutelage of Jan Halloran, who is Principal Clarinetist of the Boston Lyric Opera. During his time at the University of Kentucky Johnny was one of the founding members of the Woodwind Quintet, “Wildcat Winds”. Johnny was Principal of the University Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra while at UK.  He also played with the Wildcat Marching Band his freshman and sophomore years.  One of his highlights while completing his undergrad was performing in his first opera pit orchestra - La bohème - and that’s when he developed his love of opera.  Johnny has also spent two summers in the Czech Republic with the Prague Summer Nights Program performing Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni in the historic Estates Theater.    

As a young performer, Johnny was always looking for opportunities to expand his musical prowess. This determination gave him the honor of playing the stage of Carnegie Hall as a freshman in high school. His senior year he was awarded The Superior Musicianship Award vote by his peers, describing him as “hardworking, dedicated, passionate and talented.” 

Johnny is known for having amazing tone when he plays and he is looking forward to continuing his education and practicing his craft at Boston Conservatory.