BIOGRAPHY
After attending Western Michigan University from 1983-1985 receiving the Janson Jazz musician scholarship and working locally with both faculty and student ensembles, Mark landed the position of tour drummer with HOWARD JONES for his American tour in 1985. Upon completion of that tour in Sept.’85 Mark worked briefly with FIGURES ON A BEACH, warming up for the B-52’S. On both gigs Mark became proficient in electronic drums, using many incarnations of SIMMONS drums along with much sound processing equipment. Mark then went on the road with national touring show band FLASH, playing in large venues in Florida, Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe. In Sept. ’86 Mark became a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where upon entering Mark received the Professional Musician Scholarship. At Berklee Mark studied with Gary Chaffee, Skip Hadden and Ed Kaspik amongst others and in his second year worked with renowned faculty ensemble Thom’s Thumbs and received the Zildjian memorial scholarship. During his summer off Mark toured with classic rocker MITCH RYDER.
After graduating Berklee Mark once again worked with a national show band LOOKING GLASS at Disney World. In the fall of 1989 Mark moved on to tour with Jazz guitarist EARL KLUGH on a 20 state tour. While on tour Mark recorded with Warner Bro. artist JUDE COLE for his ‘Breakfast in L.A.’ album. In 1990 Mark returned to Michigan and worked with many local bands and in 1991 he recorded two tracks on GEORGE CLINTON’s ‘Smell My Finger,’ L.P. While working with regional progressive country act DIXIE CROSSROAD, Mark opened a drum and guitar store, R.I.T. Music in 1992, where he also taught lessons. He worked live with GORDON LIGHTFOOT and worked with NICK STRANGE recording tracks for his ‘SURROUNDED BY EACH OTHER.’ In the summer of 2004 Mark toured briefly with 70’s artist LEO SAYER and locally with many bands. In 2005-2006 Mark collaborated with CRAIG STRAIN and his horn band DOCTOR POCKET playing many local venues including the Detroit Casinos. Currently Mark is Teaching and freelancing with local acts recording and touring with international jazz artist GREG STOTT and MADELINE HAWKES for her Eclipse album “US”, teaching and working with acts in Vegas with such musical luminaries as KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND.
EDUCATION
Berklee College of Muisc '88
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