Biography

Mark Griffith joined the Houston Symphony in 2004. A versatile percussionist, Mark performs a broad array of instruments and styles, helping bring the Houston Symphony’s vastly varied programming to life with energy and precision. Prior to coming to Houston, he held positions with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the New World Symphony, where he performed regularly under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas. He has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Honolulu Symphony, and the Buffalo Philharmonic.

A native Texan, Mark was raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He completed his undergraduate music studies at Wheaton College outside of Chicago and earned a Master of Music from the University of Michigan. While at Wheaton, he twice won the university’s concerto competition, performing marimba concertos by Paul Creston and Jorge Sarmientos. He was the recipient of the University of Michigan’s prestigious Charlie Owen Memorial Scholarship. Mark’s teachers include Alan Abel of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Salvatore Rabbio of the Detroit Symphony, Michael Udow of the Santa Fe Opera, and renowned marimba soloist Leigh Howard Stevens.

Mark has been featured with the Houston Symphony in performances of John Williams’ Escapades - music from the film Catch Me If You Can. He also appeared alongside principal percussionist Brian Del Signore in a featured marimba duo performance during the orchestra’s pandemic season of livestreamed concerts, and frequently performs with the Houston Symphony musicians’ chamber group Third Space Music. Mark’s playing can be heard on numerous Houston Symphony recordings, as well as those of the New World Symphony.

In addition to his work as a percussionist, Mark is a trained pianist and organist. Outside of music, he can often be found behind the controls of a small aircraft. He serves as a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight, flying patients to and from Houston for medical care. Mark is the proud father of three teenagers - Ben, Katie, and Adam.