Kazuhiko Kawabe

Commander (CDR) Kazuhiko Kawabe was born in Miyazaki (Southern Japan). He graduated from Midorigaoka School of the Arts as a Music Curriculum major, received his advanced degree in instrumental music from Musashino Academia Musicae and studied conducting at Tokyo University of the Arts and Toho Gakuen School of Music. Kazuhiko Kawabe studied conducting with Masahisa Endo and Nanao Yamamoto, harmony with Masahiro Ishijima, music theory with Shigemi Osaki and Momoko Oya, score reading with Chisa Hashimoto, clarinet with Kunio Chiba and Yukio Ohashi, and piano theory with Maho Yoshida. He joined the Maritime Self Defense Force in 1977 and was granted leadership status in 1989. After holding Ominato, Maizuru and Yokosuka Divisional Maritime Self Defense Force Band commands, Kazuhiko Kawabe became officer in charge and leader of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Tokyo Band. He is also an active composer. Original works for wind band include Concert March "Shining Sky", "Maiden Voyage", "Sagano for Band", "Beyond the Sea far and away" and the Symphonic Suite "Takachiho and Red Slope in Autumn". For jazz band, "Falls Rainbow" and "Sizuka", "Song and Dance" for Alto Saxophone, "Sagano" for piano, plus numerous arrangements.