Dakota Wind Quintet

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 on tour, 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 four other various classical and jazz ensembles.

John Tomkins was appointed Principal Bassoonist in 2002.  Tomkins holds a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and a Masters degree from The Cleveland Institute of Music.  He has attended many music festivals, including the Festival-Institute at Round Top, the National Orchestral Institute, Kent/Blossom Music, and Tanglewood Music Center.  In addition to maintaining a private teaching studio, Tomkins serves as an adjunct bassoon instructor and chamber music coach on the staff of Augustana University and South Dakota State University.

Irina Chang is the newly appointed Principal Clarinetist beginning in the 2024-25 season. Chang relocated to Sioux Falls from Chicago where she has been performing with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.  She holds a master's degree in music from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in music from Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. 

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.