Mark Baxendell is a retired music and elementary school teacher. He holds degrees in Instrumental and Vocal Music Education, Reading, and Elementary Education. Mark studied trumpet with Abe Lillard and Jim Hynes as well as Richard Jones at the Eastman School of Music, and jazz with Ned Corman. He has played with the likes of Charlie Bertini, Jeff Tyzik, Walter White, and John Faddis. He currently plays his trumpet with the Cortland Oldtimers Band, the Ageless Jazz Band, Crown City Brass, City Limits, Metasequoia, and is a former member of the Ithaca Concert Band. He is a long-time member of the Dryden Area Intergenerational Band, which he now conducts, as well as conducting the Groton Community Band. You may often find him in the pit orchestra for various school musicals in the area. Mark and his wife operate a farm in Groton on which they raise and sell Angus beef and eggs. They have two children and six grandchildren.