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South Florida Jazz Profile:
Markus Howell

Markus Howell found his love for music & musical instruments at a young age. He has developed his unique sound from various jazz masters such as; Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis and many others.  

He attended Deerfield Beach Elementary School, where he began his musical journey playing the drums in the third grade. He quickly found interest in the alto saxophone. Playing two instruments at the time, he played for the Junior Choir at his church (Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. W.J. Ford).

After entering Parkway Middle School of the Arts, his teacher Melton Mustafa Jr. introduced him to jazz along with his private instructor Jason Hainsworth (Professor of Jazz Studies at Broward College). As a youngster, Markus was not fond of the music, he found it rather difficult to grasp. However, his teacher saw his potential and encouraged him to pursue it. Soon enough, Markus was fascinated with jazz.

In addition to playing the saxophone and drums he also plays the oboe, clarinet, flute and piano.

As Markus became more experienced, he took his musical talent outside of the classroom. He has performed for various audiences on several occasions,  including weddings, parties, banquets, cancer awareness walks, the National Anthem for a Miami Heat game, and Avery Fisher Hall in New York City.

Markus’ gift and passion for music has blessed him with personal encounters with greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Al Jerreau, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Sonny Rollins, and several others.

Currently, Markus is a senior at Dillard Center for The Arts, where Christopher Dorsey is his band director. He is a member of the #1 high school jazz band in the nation after winning first place for two consecutive years at the prestigious Essentially Ellington high school jazz band competition in New York City headed by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center; also the Swing Central high school jazz band competition in Savannah, GA placing first for the past three years. He often volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club where he teaches children about music and how to read and write music. Markus enjoys sharing knowledge and helping others, as he aspires to be a college professor and teach music.

 

"I am" short film presentation premiered at the 2nd Annual South Florida Jazz Summit. Watch it and be inspired.

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Letter from the Founder and President of Jazzonian: Bobby Ramirez

Attention Pro Jazz Musicians:
Join the Jazzonian Artist-in-Residence Program

2011 JAZZONIAN Legacy Awards
And the winners are: Ed Bell (WLRN), Lifetime Achievement; Phyllis Fee, Jazz Benefactor; and James Chism, Jazz Volunteer.

Excellence in Jazz Education
Jazzonian is very pleased to announce its 2011 Excellence in Jazz Education Award. This year's recipient is Mr. Christopher Dorsey, Band Director of the Jazz Orchestra at Dillard Center for the Arts.

A New Creative Way to Experience Jazz!
Jazzonian is pleased to announce its new innovative education program called TOUCH JAZZ.

JAZZONIAN Traveling Exhibit
As part of our commitment to inspire, educate, and bring people together, JAZZONIAN is available as a traveling exhibit to local community schools, institutions and organizations seeking to create more awareness of Jazz while celebrating the rich history of this unique American art form. If you would like JAZZONIAN to be part of your special event, contact Bobby Ramirez, info@jazzonian.org

About Latin Jazz
Jazzonian proudly presents Latin Jazz Player: a virtual educational cultural arts initiative produced by Bobby Ramirez that is part of the Jazzonian online multimedia experience honoring the great musicians that made significant contributions in helping to shape the sound of this classic American music artform. Latin Jazz Player also serves as a quick one-stop educational guide for music students, as well as helping music teachers articulate and present Latin Jazz as part of a school music curriculum.