Mark Shelton
performer, educator, innovator, composer, producer, & high energy entertainer
Mark Shelton leapt at the chance to play the snare drum in the elementary school band program in McNairy County, TN. It didn’t quite hit him about how many drums he might have to carry around in the future.
In his one-man show, Mark draws upon a background that includes classical, folk, pop, jazz, gospel, ethnic, and new music to create an engaging collage with wide audience appeal. Mark entertains (and educates) with a hip, fast-paced style, as he romps and stomps his way through an arsenal of percussion paraphernalia including marimba, doumbec, bones, bodhran, cajon, hammered dulcimer, Hang, and even some "body music."
While Visiting Artist at Wayne Community College and Coastal Carolina Community College, both in North Carolina, Mark honed his soloist skills performing at schools, concert halls, on television, and in churches. In 1984, he was a prizewinner in The National Association of Composers USA Young Performers Competition and in 1986 he co-founded the harp and percussion duo, TALEA, which premiered new works for this unique ensemble.
Mark has appeared as percussion soloist on dozens of occasions as an artist with the Young Audiences Arts in Education rosters in Dallas, Houston, and Beaumont, TX. He freelances in the Dallas area in a variety of musical settings including playing percussion regularly as part of the Calvary Church of Irving Worship Band. Mark has served as artistic director for the “world fusion” ensemble, Tin Roof Tango, since the group’s inception in 1987. Having taught instrumental music in junior high, high school, and college, Mark uses his instructional skills in clinics and workshops on a variety of levels. Currently, Mark teaches percussion at Christ For The Nations Institute in Dallas, TX. Whether it's Found Sound workshops for elementary students or a clinic on practice techniques for adults, Mark brings an entertaining style to his teaching.
In an attempt to turn from his sedentary ways, Mark has taken up running and consuming more dietary fiber. (He’s actually won his division in a few races and was the overall winner in the 5000 meter run at the 2005 Texas Masters Championships.)
