Portland, OR

Even as an elementary schooler Mark Barstow wanted to rock. He fired his piano teacher at age 10, set a boom box on the family piano, and let Billy Joel teach him to play by ear as he sang his heart out. Since then he’s been a composer, solo and choral singer, and rock band leader. He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance at the University of Massachusetts, where he was an original member of the Acafellas – the first singing group of Rock Voices founder Tony Lechner. In Oregon, Mark has sung with Choral Cross-ties, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Oregon Ballet Theater, and the Portland Symphonic Choir, where he was also a soloist. He also worked on liturgical recordings for the Oregon Catholic Press and provided private vocal instruction. However, his favorite musical endeavor in Oregon so far was the decade he spent leading a rock band. Now Mark is excited about blending his musical passions and vocal experience into just the right combination: directing Rock Voices Portland.