John Tomkins

John Tomkins was appointed Principal Bassoon of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Dakota Wind Quintet 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 Orchestra Institute, Kent/Blossom Music, and Tanglewood Music Center.  His primary teachers include Joseph Hesseman, Christopher Weait, Ronald Phillips, and John Clouser.

Tomkins has also served as the Principal Bassoonist for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with many area ensembles, including the Omaha Symphony.  Tomkins has premiered bassoon concertos written by Jeffrey Paul and Benjamin Tomkins with the SDSO, and arranges music professionally for the Dakota Wind Quintet.  In addition to maintaining a private teaching studio, he serves as an adjunct bassoon instructor and chamber music coach on the staff of Augustana University and South Dakota State University.