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Mark Sparks | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1960-07-03)July 3, 1960 (age 65) Baltimore, MD |
| Origin | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Soloist, teacher |
| Instrument | Flute |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Website | official website |
Mark Sparks is a former principal flutist of theSt. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and a teacher and soloist.
Sparks was born in 1960 and raised in Cleveland and St. Louis, where he studied with former St. Louis Symphony principal flutist Jacob Berg and former St. Louis Symphony piccoloist Jan Gippo.[1] He graduated from theOberlin Conservatory of Music where he studied withRobert Hugh Willoughby.[2]
Sparks began his career in theCanton Symphony Orchestra inOhio and with theCaracas Symphony in Venezuela. Before his appointment to theSt. Louis Symphony, Sparks served as Associate Principal Flute with theBaltimore Symphony Orchestra under David Zinman, and Principal Flute of theSan Antonio Symphony and theMemphis Symphony Orchestra.
Sparks is also a teacher. He currently teaches at DePaul School of Music, was previously a full-time faculty member at the Peabody Institute, and maintains a private studio in St. Louis. He is an artist-faculty member at theAspen Music Festival and School. He also teaches at Missouri's Innsbrook Institute, Flauti al Castello in Tuscany, Italy and will join the faculty of thePacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan.
Sparks has recorded two solo albums collaborating with pianist Clinton Adams, appearing on the Summit and AAM labels, and one flute and piano album collaborating with pianist Peter Henderson.[3]
