A superb trumpeter who continues to grow in power and range year by year. Born to a father who was also a  trumpeter that played on the chitling circuit in the south. The elder trumpeter played with Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Clarence Carter and once with James Brown after Brown fired his band before a show and needed to hire a band. The elder musician also led bands from  middle school to university levels since 1955. It was destined for Mark to pursue music. "My father had a tremendous influence on my musical journey. I remember at an early age, he would go sit down at the organ and play music. My siblings and I would have to sing with him deep into the wee hours of the morning."

 

    In highschool, Mark joined band where his dad was the music director at Central High School in Detroit, MI. This is were Mark picked up alot of experience and knowledge under his father's tutelage. "I remember the first piece of music he put on my music stand, it was Armed forces medley and I had the 1st trumpet part." In highschool, Mark learned every music score his dad presented to him. "I learned everything from Tchaikovsky, John Phillip Sousa, George Gershwin to Michael Jackson, Barry White, Stevie Wonder then onto Dizzy Gilespie, Miles Davis and Joe Zawinul."

 

   "My father taught me the importance of being a well rounded musician. My last performance as a student during my senior year in high school, I played a solo called, 'A Trumpeter's Lullaby'  with the concert band. My father gave me the ultimate praise that I have ever received regarding music. He told me I had the sweetest tone on trumpet that he has ever heard. I will never forget our time together."

 

   Mark futhered his expertise as a student and musician at Michigan State University. This is where Mark received his purpose and passion. He auditioned for the Marching and Pep band under the direction of John T. Madden where he performed world wide with this premier Big Ten Band. Mark also  performed with the MSU Jazz ensemble  under the direction of legendary Jazz Giant Branford Marsalis. (Mo' Better blues) Along with these accomplishments, a new life event would trigger who Mark would soon become.

 

    "I will never forget how God changed my life. It was on spring break. My bestfriend was killed March 9, 1997, the same night Hip  Hop legend 'The Notorious Big' died. I fell into  deep depression. This is when I started playing music  by the Red Cedar river on MSU campus as a plea of heartache. I would look to the sky and dedicate songs to my slain friend. This would give me tranquility and peace. I would perform regularly and soon would become a staple at MSU. I was in the State Newspaper on numerous occasions. I was the first picture featured in the year book.  On March 31, 1999, I was on the cover of the Michigan State University newspaper dubbed, "The Music Man." God took my pain and transformed it into artistic expression and freedom."

 

  Mark later served time in the U.S Air Force after the events of September 11, 2001. He played in the U.S Air Force training band and was a trumpeter with the U.S Air Force color guard. "I was asked to play taps and the Star-Spangled banner on many occasions." Mark entertained the Air Force community by regularly playing on and off base. After serving four years of active military service, Mark has settled as a highschool educator in Pennsylvania.

 

 Today you may find Mark as a working musician on the east coast. He dazzles thousands of music fans every year. As an educator, Mark always incorporates his music with students. Mark can be found playing regularly on the New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C scene. Although he isn't affliated with a record label, his recordings demonstrate his technical skill, musical style and soul. His mellow tone and artistic expressions lifts spirits wherever  he sets up shop to perform.  Never afraid to honor his Motown and jazz roots, Mark is a brilliant trumpeter who has had a remarkable past and a bright future. 

 

  By Airman Rebecca Maurer

 

  31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs staffwriter