Mark Pipes is an active performer and educator in the Portland area. A winner of the Rocky Mountain Concerto Competition, his flexible musical style allows him to appear with a variety of ensembles. He is a founding member of the PDX Saxophone Ensemble and is currently a member of the Portland Wind Symphony. Mark was a co-host of the PDX Saxophone Day in 2019 and again in 2023.
Mark has over 25 years of pedagogical experience and has taught saxophone, music history, chamber music, jazz ensembles, jazz improvisation, and string orchestra. He currently serves on the faculty of Portland State University, teaching saxophone. He also serves on the faculty of Young Musicians and Artists and maintains a thriving studio. Former students have gone on to receive accolades and win competitions such as the Rocky Mountain Solo Competition and the Oregon State Solo Championships. Mark’s students have also gone on to teach, pursue graduate degrees, and perform at the professional level.
During the COVID19 pandemic, Mark produced livestream shows with GMS Media in Portland. He is currently, working to connect performing arts organizations with funding and outreach productions. He is also producing projects showcasing the performing arts in Portland.
Mark holds a Doctor of Arts in Music from the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis in saxophone pedagogy and secondary emphasis in jazz and music history. His research delved into the acoustics of the saxophone and how mouthpiece shape and material affected overall tone and color. Mark earned a Master of Music and a Certificate of Performance degree from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Delaware.