Musician, Songwriter, Educator and Author
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Musician
As a freelance musician, band leader and solo artist, Mark plays everything from jazz and folk to funk and classical. As a drummer and percussionist he has played for and recorded with over 45 artists and performing arts groups, and he's helped open for national artists such as The Band, Dave Mason, Merle Saunders, Rusted Root and jazz greats John Faddis, Emily Remler and John Blake. As a vocalist and guitar player, Mark has performed with numerous bands and groups including the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, the acoustic trio "Acousticity," and the a cappella quintet "White Noise."
Mark has produced and recorded six CDs of original music, including his latest, "Golden Age." His original composition "Child of Wonder," arranged and orchestrated by Nathan Santos, was premiered by the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and Choral in 2003.
Mark's music for kids and families has been featured on numerous radio stations and programs including National Public Radio’s “This American Life” and the award-winning public radio program, The Saturday Light Brigade. His song “I Sure Love Pancakes” was a featured hit single on the Wags and Elliot Show (WLVQ. 96.3FM Columbus, Ohio).
Award-winning Singer/Songwriter
Mark's original music and songs have earned numerous awards and competitions:
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Award-winner: A 2004 Children's Music Web Award (Best Song for Older Children ) for the song I Sure Love Pancakes | |
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Award-winner: A 2001 Parents' Choice Award (Approved Medal) for the CD Little Animals | |
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Song Writing Finalist:
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Award-winner: 1998 Parent's Choice Silver Medal for the CD Pajama Jammin' (with the Family Arts Theatre) | |
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Honorable Mention:
2002 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the song Golden Age 2001 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the song Blue in Blue, available on both Songs from The Country and Gathering Place: Songs and Poems of Western Pennsylvania |
Respected Teacher and Educational Consultant
As a teacher and educational consultant, Mark Weakland has worked with children and the educational system for almost 15 years.
Mark's
certification areas include special education, reading specialist and
secondary science. For nine years he ran the 4th and 5th grade
learning support program in Blairsville Elementary School. He is currently an
educational consultant for ARIN IU 28. His presentations on
reading theory and practice, instructional methodology, differentiated
instruction and inclusion, using music, drama and movement in the classroom
consistently get high praise for their hands-on approach and informative
and useful content.
He has presented for numerous districts, associations and con
Mark was the recent recipient of a Japanese Fulbright Memorial Fund scholarship and studied the educational systems and the culture of Japan in the fall of 2006.
Published
Writer
Mark
Weakland has written and continues to develop books for educators, and
non-fiction picture books for children. His books for educators are
published by Kagan Publishing and Academic Communication Associates, while
his books for children are sill looking for an official home!
Books
for Educators:
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The
Dramatically Different Classroom |
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Rap It Up |
Non-fiction
picture books for children:
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Drum, Drum, What Do You Say? | |
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First
Sound, First Song |
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Listen, Listen, Now Let's Look! |
Springwater Music Group
Mark's
latest creation is Springwater Music Group -- a clearinghouse, record
label and public relations firm for the many projects, books, groups and
artists he is involved with in Western Pennsylvania.
During off hours, Mark can be found happily watching the grass grow at his beautiful Somerset County home, Springwater Farm.
Contact Mark Weakland
To contact Mark, send an e-mail to springwatermg@earthlink.net
