Today we’d like to introduce you to Markus Howell.
Markus, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My musical journey began at Deerfield Beach Elementary in the 3rd grade when I started playing the drums in our after school band. I was quickly mesmerized by a young 5th grader who was playing the saxophone in one of our after school rehearsals. I brought it to my music instructor’s attention at the time and eventually asked my parents if they would purchase me a saxophone. This was a huge turning point in my early life.
My parents did get me a saxophone and I started playing in my elementary school’s band on saxophone instead of drums. I began learning how to read music and was really fascinated by the instrument. I eventually brought my horn to church and began playing with the choirs on any given Sunday. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church welcomed my humble beginning with open arms. At the same time, I still continued to play drums and eventually played the drum set in the church as well. I credit Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in my hometown of Deerfield Beach, FL for allowing me to develop my musical ear and confidence to play in front of people.
Continuing my musical journey, I went on to Parkway Middle School of The Arts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This is where I was introduced to jazz by my band director at the time, saxophonist and Miami native Melton Mustafa Jr. I attended Parkway because of their stellar performing arts program and I don’t regret that decision. Mr. Mustafa eventually invited me to an after school jazz band rehearsal. I was intimidated by the other students in the jazz band because they were so much better than I was to the point that I didn’t want to continue playing jazz. Mr. Mustafa pushed me past my limits because he saw potential in me and I’m forever indebted to him for forcing me to stick with it. I eventually fell in love with jazz and the creative process of music. I began taking private saxophone lessons and bond with those students that first intimidated me musically. This is the moment where I told myself when I grow up I’m going to move to New York City and be a professional musician.
It was time for high school and I decided to give up my passion for playing baseball to continue pursuing my dream of music. I attended Dillard Center for The Arts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. While there, I continued to hone my craft, challenge myself and created performance opportunities. Through a very prestigious national high school competition, I was able to meet and perform with jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. I always surrounded myself around positive people that either inspired or moved me forward.
I attended Michigan State University were, I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies. Since then, I have relocated to New York City. I am a current member of the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and a music teacher in the Jazz Department at a private school in NYC called The Calhoun School.
I have performed and/or recorded with top leaders on their respectful instruments and voices, including Rodney Whitaker, Michael Dease, Joe Magnarelli, Carmen Bradford, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Karen Clark Sheard. I’ve had the pleasure of performing at festivals and venues such as Yoshi’s Jazz Club (Oakland, California), Blue Note Tokyo (Japan), Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, MI), American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL), John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts (Washington D.C.) and Birdland Jazz Club (New York City). My debut album called “Get Right!” is available now on all streaming platforms.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest challenges for me was not getting the opportunities or recognition I felt I deserved early on before college began. Most of my friends were being selected for special nominated programs and awards and I had been bypassed. This played a huge role in my motivation and development mentally and musically. I eventually realized accolades and awards don’t define a person. I was looking for the wrong reactions to my talent. Talent isn’t given to us to show off. It’s about what’s inside the artist. It’s about the message that your work is saying and not just showing off some talent just because you can. I have a gift and I have a responsibility to use it to help make this world a better place.
So I took on that challenge and since I’ve always tried to be as honest as possible through my music. That means working extra hard with no short cuts and not expecting anything in return. I just want to present something to my audience that they can feel. As I got older, I began to receive opportunities that I never imagined. I’ve played in venues and concert halls alongside people I never dreamed would happen. I’m a living testament that passion, patience, consistency and hard work will pay off eventually. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Your path is different. I’m living my dream.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am a saxophonist, composer, and educator. As a saxophonist, I specialize in jazz, gospel, and R&B soul music. I am a current member of the Count Basie Orchestra, where I travel and frequently perform across the world. As a composer, I write original music for projects of my own and others. I am also a film composer. As an educator, I teach music on various topics within the jazz genre and saxophone in public or private lesson settings to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. I often perform in concert halls, jazz clubs, restaurants, private events and weddings.
I’m most proud of the friendships and relationships I’ve developed through music. I have friends all across the US, Canada, Japan and other countries because of my connection with music. Music brings people together and I have an extended family!
What sets me apart from others is that I bring not only musical performance, but an experience. When I perform, I strive to wash away the dust of my audience’s everyday life and leave them in an emotionally transformed state of joy, passion, love, camaraderie, empathy, inspiration, boldness, empowerment or enlightenment. Music is food for the soul.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far has been my move to New York City and having the opportunity to tour regularly with one of the greatest big bands in jazz history; The Count Basie Orchestra.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.markushowell.com
- Email: markushowellmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markushowellmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markus.howell.71
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/markus_howell
Image Credit:
Camille Gowdy
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
