Megumi Kanda

(born November 9, 1975) is a Japanese trombonist.

Early life Kanda began playing trombone at the age of 10 in Tokyo, Japan. She attended the Toho High School of Music, where she won first prize in a Japanese national competition. After high school, she moved to the United States and earned a Bachelor of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with James DeSano, principal trombone of the Cleveland Orchestra. She was first hired as a professional trombonist by the Albany Symphony Orchestra in 1997, and then worked for the Rochester Philharmonic.

Career Kanda is currently the principal trombonist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a position she won in 2002 (out of a field of 76 applicants for the position, only seven of whom were female).

Megumi Kanda is a Greenhoe Trombones Artist and Clinician. The Greenhoe Trombones company was founded by her (retired) colleague in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Gary Greenhoe. Kanda plays a Greenhoe GC4-1R Tenor Trombone.

Important Performances Megumi Kanda performing Amy Mills’ Red Dragonfly with the United States Army Band. Kanda has performed as a featured soloist with the following ensembles: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Pershing’s Own Army Band, the US Army Field Band, and the Prague Chamber Orchestra.

Kanda has also appeared as a soloist at the International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop, and countless other festivals.

Books Kanda has published two trombone method books, The One Hundred (2015) , and Trombone Unlimited (2020). Her first book, The One Hundred, is an extensive book of common trombone excerpts. She also includes her own commentary on these excerpts. Her second, and most recent book, Trombone Unlimited, is a detailed method book that aids in technical and musical studies.

Teaching Kanda has served as a guest faculty member at music institutions including the New World Symphony, National Youth Orchestra, Interlochen Arts Academy, and many more.

Personal life Kanda is married to Dietrich Hemann, with whom she has three children. International Trombone Association — 2020 International Trombone Association Award

Discography Kanda has released three solo albums: Amazing Grace Amazing Grace Victor apparently same tracks released on DVD audio in Japan Amazing Grace Albany Records re-released in US Mirai: Brilliantly Classical Young Maestros of Our Time Victor released in Japan(Kanda is only featured on track 16) Gloria Victor originally released in Japan Gloria Albany Records re-released in the US Mona Lisa Victor released in Japan Best of Ave Maria Victor released in Japan(Kanda is only featured on track 5) Magnifique Live Victor released in Japanrecorded live (3 September 2005) at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall(Kanda is only featured on tracks 7, 9, and 13)