One of the “elephants in the room” within education discussions related to merit, opportunity and access is the wide range and disparity of challenges that teachers face in creating quality programs within their schools. Mark Bailey believes that music, but most importantly the PEOPLE IN music, changes the lives of those around them. And crucially, that music has the ability to change the soul and trajectory of someone’s life. Sadly, in many places where “other problems” seem so much more pressing, music and other Fine Arts programs fall by the wayside. Leading to quality educators not wanting to teach in the schools that need them the most. Mark has been teaching in Title 1 Schools in the US for much of is fifteen year career and brings a comprehensive plan for success and encourages quality educators to test their mettle in these types of schools. We also discuss the role of music competition as both a motivator and a barrier toward equity in education. Tune in for this challenging, but ultimately optimistic conversation.

Mr. Mark A. Bailey is proud to be the Director of Choirs at Palo Duro High School of Amarillo ISD in Amarillo, Texas and is a sought after clinician and published researcher. Mr. Bailey’s most recent scholarly work is published in TMEA’s 2018 edition of the Texas Music Educators Research Journal and focuses on poverty and music education. He has recently presented similar research at the annual ACDA International Symposium on Research in Choral Singing. His choirs have recorded and premiered original works for Carl Fischer Music. He is entering his 15th year as a professional music educator. Before coming to Palo Duro, Mr. Bailey was the Director of Choirs at Brazoswood High School. Prior to that, Mr. Bailey was Head of Fine Arts and Director of Choirs at The American School of Kuwait, and Director of Choirs at Atascocita Middle School, La Porte High School, and Houston Christian High School. Choir programs under Mr. Bailey’s direction receive consistent UIL Sweepstakes ratings and top festival honors.

Mr. Bailey is a graduate of Baylor University (B.M.Ed.) and Texas Tech University (M.M.Ed.) and has studied educational research with Dr. Janice Killian and choral conducting with Dr. Anton Armstrong, Mr. Donald Neuen, Dr. Jeffery Ames, Dr. Donald Bailey, and Dr. Carolyn Cruse. Mr. Bailey has also performed under the direction of world-renowned conductors Paul Salamunovich, Eph Elly, Andre Thomas, and Anton Armstrong. Professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

Mr. Bailey is an avid fan of Major League Baseball, and all books Sci-Fi and Mystery. Mr. Bailey’s wife, Hannah, is the Head Librarian at Caprock High School in Amarillo ISD. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have two young children, Henry and Charlotte. In his spare time, Mr. Bailey enjoys arranging and composing choral works, writing research in education, and playing his favorite game, American Mahjong.

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