David Marks

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Mr. Marks was appointed as Director of Bands at Midland Park High in the summer of 1997. This followed his student teaching at Eisenhower Middle School in Wyckoff and Ridgewood High School. His musical training began in 4th grade as a String Bass player in elementary school. He continues to play String Bass to this day. He studied String Bass with Linda McKnight throughout High School and College. Mr. Marks has a BA in Music Education from Montclair State University. He also has a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Ramapo College.

As a performer, Mr. Marks has been a String Bass Player with the New Jersey Wind Symphony since 1996. During this time, he has performed with countless renowned soloists and guest conductors. Mr. Marks has guest conducted the ensemble on two occasions. He has been on the Board of Directors for the past number of years and serves as the Chairperson of the Programming Committee. The MPHS Wind Ensemble has done 4 performances with the NJWS in recent years. He has also been the conductor of the Bergen County Middle School Band and the Bergen County High School Band. In the Fall of 1996, Mr. Marks conducted the Montclair State University Band for Vice President Al Gore.

In the Marching Band world Mr. Marks has been a performer, instructor, writer, director, and adjudicator. Beyond his 4 years as a performer with the Fair Lawn HS Marching Band, he was a member of 1995 World Champion Hawthorne Caballeros. He has served on the staff of countless North Jersey bands as an advisor and instructor. Each year Mr. Marks writes drill for 7-10 marching bands. Beyond his role as Director of MPHS Marching Band, he serves as the Assistant Director with the Ramapo HS Marching Band and a drill instructor with the Paramus HS Marching Band. He has served as a judge for USBands and an advisor and Drill Writer for the 2018 National Champion Montville HS Field Corps. In 2019, the MPHS Marching Band won the NYSFBC Championship. Mr. Marks also serves as the Director of the Ramapo College Pep Band.

Outside of the Band world Mr. Marks has many other interests. He is an avid collector of PEZ. He also a Disney fan. His Favorite composer is John Williams. Mr. Marks is married to his wife Deborah, who teaches Science at MPHS. They have a 17 year old son TJ who is a competitive rock climber and plays tuba.