[Piano Accompanist]

Mark Focarile is a seasoned performer who has been playing piano since the age of 8. His diverse musical background has given him the opportunity to perform on many diverse musical stages throughout the United States. Mark was the soloist with WCSU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for performances of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Grieg’s “Concerto in A minor”. Mark was also the pianist of the WCSU Jazz Orchestra where he was given the opportunity to perform with major artists such as John Reilly, Don Braden and the late Bob Berg. Mark studied piano with Dr. Russell Hirschfield, jazz pianist Peter Tomlinson and Julliard Graduate Leslie Merwin.

Mark currently records and performs with the Progressive Hard Rock group Mile Marker Zero. The band has toured the East Coast, and had their music featured in the video game “Rock Band”. The band’s music has also been featured on Fearless Music TV, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, as well as WCCC, WPLR, and WMRQ.

Currently, Mark is the organist and Choir Director at North Congregational Church. He also continues to perform as a solo pianist for formal occasions, and as a keyboardist in various groups. He is a University Assistant at Western Connecticut State University accompanying students in the Musical Theater and Music Departments.

Mark has also been teaching private lessons for over 15 years, and taught Public School Music for 3 years.

He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University and holds a B.S. in Music Education, with a focus in piano.