Mark McCafferty

I began my musical journey in middle school, where I was a member of the middle school band, and took lessons from Ryan and Keith Connelly. I continued my studies into high school with the Connellys, joining the marching band, and attended various band clinics, including district bands and the All-State band. At the Morehead band clinic my senior year, I saw the percussion ensemble concert, and said to myself "I want to play like those guys!" March of that year, I auditioned and was awarded a scholarship to attend Morehead State University.

While attending Morehead, I studied major and minor areas of percussion under the direction of Professor Frank Oddis and Dr. Brian Mason. I also studied arranging with Dr. Brian Mason and Dr. Scott McBride, as well as jazz improvisation under Dr. Gordon Towell and Dr. Steven Snyder. After many performances (and many more hours of practice!), I achieved my dream of "playing like those guys," including performing as a soloist and a member of the percussion ensemble on tours to PASIC, KMEA, NABBA, Pittsburgh, Virginia Beach, Valencia and Denia (Spain). Through it all, I managed to stay sane (somehow?), earn my Bachelor of Music Performance degree, become a Graduate Assistant, assist in the logistics of the Spain tour, begin teaching privately and as an ensemble instructor, and earn my Master of Music Performance.

Since graduation, I have filled my time with various projects. I have continued teaching privately, with a number of students winning auditions in their district and All-State bands, as well as encouraging the musical growth, and possible career path of many. I have continued teaching ensembles, and have worked with or directed several award winning ensembles at Conner Middle School, Grant County High School, Grant County Middle School, and Scott High School. I currently teach the percussion at Ryle High School. I am also the adjunt professor of percussion at the College of Mount Saint Joseph. I am a member of Sound Infusion, a band/duo (depending on the gig!) consisting of myself on vibraphone, guitarist Bob Ross, and several other members as needed. We perform regularly, with notable performances including a steady summer gig at The Avenue Lounge in Covington, performances at the Cincinnati Art Museum, The Blue Wisp, the Celestial Steakhouse, Marty's Hops and Vines, and several other venues. I have performed with the Fillmore Wind Band, the 4+ Brass Quintet, as a member of my church ensemble at St Paul's of Florence, as well as an occasional ensemble member at Florence Baptist Mt Zion. I also freelance with area high schools when the opportunity arises, including running sectional or ensemble rehearsals, performing, or judging.

Currently, I am focused on improving my private lesson studio, expanding my performance opportunities, improving the percussion programs at Ryle and the College of Mount Saint Joseph, and creating my own music. Concurrent with my collection of various used percussion instruments, I have also found steady business repairing and refurbishing instruments to playing condition. Show less