Bio
Mark Oates’ is currently the trumpet player for the Broadway National Tour of Funny Girl. His love of music has taken him around the US and the world. A classically trained trumpeter, his love of big band and swing music led him to tour and perform with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, as well as many luminaries of the entertainment industry. He has performed, arranged, or acted as a musical director for Grammy, Tony, and Oscar winning performers.
He studied music at James Madison University on scholarship, winning the annual concerto competition in 1998. In 1996 he was selected for the Disney All-American College Band, and in 1997 he was selected as a member of the Disney/Grammy All-American College Orchestra. In addition to performing at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Mark has performed for various theme parks, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa. Uniquely among musicians, he was recognized as an outstanding entertainer by The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions as a nominee for a “Big E” award for the category of “Best Male Performer.” In 1998, Oates joined The Glenn Miller Orchestra, touring the United States and Japan. In addition to being a member of the GMO, Mark has also performed with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and The Russ Morgan Orchestra.
After being awarded the position of first trumpet for the National Tour of Miss Saigon in 2002, his love of travel led him to accept a job as Musical Director for Crystal Cruises, recognized 17 years in a row as the world’s best cruise line. In his time with Crystal Cruises, in addition to visiting all 7 continents and over 100 different countries, Mark was a musical conductor, arranger, and producer, as well as lead trumpet for over 100 different cabaret and variety acts. In 2011, Mark joined the United State’s Air Force Band program. From 2011- 2019 he performed through the US as the lead trumpet for the Heritage of America Band, where he acted as the musical director and emcee for the Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble. In 2015 he was featured as the trumpet player with Conan O’Brien and Grace Potter in a performance before First Lady Michelle Obama and 3000 joint force members at Al U’Deid Air Base in Qatar. In 2016 he appeared again with Grace Potter on the Conan O’Brien Show on TBS. Also in 2016, he was featured as a track bugler for The Preakness Stakes which was broadcast live to over 16 million people. He currently resides in Norfolk, VA where is a freelance musician. Some of the groups you may have seen him performing locally in and around the Hampton Roads area include: Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Jazz Orchestra, Virginia Musical Theater, 3 Down Jazz Trio, Jae Sinnet Trio, Session Rockers, Good Shot Judy, Williamsburg Classic Swing Orchestra, The Latin Jazz Conspiracy, The Tomcats, The Old James River Jazz Band, Citiz3n (Favor Nation Church),
As an educator, Mark was previously the Instructor of Brass at Culver Academies and a member of the Jazz Faculty at the Norfolk Governor’s School for the Arts where he conducted the Big Band, taught jazz improvisation and coached small groups. He has performed clinics in more than 30 schools around the east coast. He has been a guest artist or clinician at James Madison University, University of Kentucky, Eastern Mennonite University, Mercer College, Willam and Mary, Christopher Newport University, UNC Charlotte, and Coastal Carolina University. Whether focusing on brass fundamentals, big band ensemble rehearsal, improvisation, or trumpet techniques his focus is on connecting and communicating with students in an enthusiastic environment focused on musicality and growth. In his private studio, Mark helps provide solid trumpet pedagogy and emphasizes a “music first” approach that is inclusive of many styles and helps develop well-rounded trumpeters and musicians.
He is happily married to his wife Angi. They enjoy good coffee, good books, and crossword puzzles .
