Mark Deakins

April 19, 2009 - Carnegie Hall

As a choral conductor and Dean of the Kentucky Christian University, School of Music for 19 years, Dr. Mark Deakins has taken the University Concert Choir to a professional status with a national reputation. The choir performed in Carnegie Hall numerous times, took fourth place in the National Collegiate Choral Competition, secured an exclusive recording contract with Benson Music Group, and ecorded for SilverSpring Music Group, Christian Network and Word Music in Christian Copyright Allinance, Nashville.

Under Mark's direction, the KCU choir has also made several appearances with other ensembles accross the U.S., at major choral conventions and showcase, and at the International Choral Festival in Havana, Cuba.

Dr. Deakins also serves as the Church Music Consultant for the Berean Christian Bookstores of Cincinnati, OH, serves as the Universities/Colleges chair for District 8 of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, is coordinator of the District 8 All-State Chorus and String auditions, is host of the Eastern Kentucky Choral Festival for District 8 and conducts the Concert Choir at East Carter High School and the Carter County Children's Chorus in Grayson, KY.

Dr. Mark Deakins earned undergraduate degrees from Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri, and Malone College, Canton, Ohio; a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio; and a Ph.D. in Musicology from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He has studied conducting under Dr. C.M. Shearer, Kent State University; Reńe Clausen, Concordia College; and Dr. Jeff Johnson, University of Kentucky.