John Kocur is an exciting young alto saxophonist and composer on the Washington, D.C. scene. He has been called a "great soloist" by the City Paper, "equally capable of romance and hard-charging groove." His original compositions are rooted in the tradition of American Jazz but seamlessly blend a variety of musical influences. John fell in love with the saxophone at the age of 10, in his hometown of Medford, NY and his fascination has not ended. After studying saxophone and jazz with Charlie Young III at the prestigious Howard University and at George Mason University, John has embarked on a career in music performance and education. In 2008, John was selected as an artist-in-residence at the Strathmore Performing Arts Center. John has previously performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. John has performed overseas at the Jazz Ascona Festival in Switzerland and the first annual Nagano Jazz Festival in Japan. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with jazz artists including Benny Golson, Fred Wesley, Jimmie Owens, Bill Hughes, and Buck Hill. Recent engagements include the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, Capital Focus Jazz Band, Too Damn Big Orchestra, and the J&J Jazz Quintet. The John Kocur quartet is currently performing at various venues in the D.C area. This assembly of some of the finest young jazz artists today performs original compositions and unique interpretations of popular American songs in an intimate, all-acoustic format.

In 2006, John received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from George Mason University while studying with saxophonists, Dale Underwood and Jim Carroll. From 2006-2008, he studied woodwinds with Charlie Young III and Dr. Sais Kamalidiin while attending Howard University. In May 2008, he received a Master’s of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Howard University. As an educator, John has given workshops and lectures at universities and high schools. He has taught a jazz history course at George Mason University and is currently teaching music theory at Northern Virginia Community College. He maintains a private lesson studio with students of all ages on flute, clarinet, and saxophone. John is currently a member of the DC Federation of Musicians Local 161-710 and the Washington Area Music Association.