Bio
Mark has been active as a performer and educator since graduating from the University of Calgary in 1991. He taught saxophone at the Mount Royal College Conservatory, organized music for the Beat Niq jazz club from its inception until 2000, and maintained a busy performing schedule with The Swinging Bovines saxophone quartet. After moving to Vancouver in 1998 to study with acclaimed sax teacher Stan Karp, Mark again relocated to New Jersey in 2001 to pursue graduate jazz studies with master saxophonist Ralph Bowen. After completing his graduate studies Mark returned to Canada to begin teaching jazz studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
OUTER BRIDGE ENSEMBLE
During his three-year stint in New Jersey, Mark helped to form the Outer Bridge Ensemble, an all-original jazz quintet that has performed at the Ottawa Jazz Festival as well as many New York clubs including the 55bar, the Knitting Factory, Detour and others.
The Outer Bridge Ensemble has released two cd recordings, toured western Canada with the assistance of Canada Council, and has featured numerous guest musicians including trumpeter James Zoller, clarinetist Oscar Noriega, and saxophonist Claire Daly.
