John is teaching Clarinet Technique and Intro to Chamber Groups

"I never think that I want to take a technique class, but have enjoyed the past two years with John. He is exceptional." Participant, LFM camp.

"John was great! Relaxed, fun & a great conductor & teacher" Participant, 2015 LFM camp

John Kraus, originally from North Bay, Ontario, and now living in Peterborough, is an active musician, having worked as the Music Director of the Durham Chamber Orchestra (1996-2007), the Lakeridge Youth Orchestra (2002-2004), the Clarington Concert Band, (2011-2013), the Northumberland Orchestra & Choir (2013-2023) and is the current leader of the Parkdale Orchestra, Ottawa. John has performed as a member of the Lavender Chamber Ensemble, a collective of professional musicians who perform across South-Central Ontario and is a freelance saxophone player with several jazz ensembles in the Peterborough area. In the fall of 2017, John was nominated as one of five candidates for the Heinz Unger Award, a national honour administrated by the Ontario Arts Council, recognizing professional conductors.

As an educator, John taught for over 30 years and is a member of the Ontario Music Educators Association promoting the value and need for Music education in schools. He has led workshops and clinics across the province as well as leading and conducting honour ensembles as part of the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival, held each spring at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto. John is a member of the Canadian Music Festivals Adjudicators Association, providing him the opportunity to hear student performances across Canada. For many years in the summer months, John has been a faculty member of Lake field Music Camp, an adult music camp based at Lakefield College School, Lakefield.

In addition, John hosts Maestro’s Picks, a weekly hour-long radio show which can be heard on Northumberland 89.7 and Sudbury’s 96.7 CKLU-FM, featuring music of all styles and genres.

John’ s website