Today we’d like to introduce you to John Mark Piper.
John Mark, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I played music professionally, first as a drummer in bands and then as a vibraphonist. As a vibraphone player, I also became interested in making improvements on the frame of the instrument. Ludwig/Musser then manufactured the Musser/PIPER vibraphone which I have three world patents for. I became very well known in the world of percussion and vibraphone performance with 7 published solo vibraphone pieces and two self-published music technical studies called “The Shapes and Patterns of Music”. In 2008, I became restless and took up another interest in Fire/Rescue services. I put myself through the fire academy and became a professional firefighter/paramedic in the metroplex. I did this for 8 years and in 2015 I branched out and deployed to the South Pole and McMurdo Station Antarctica, where I also served as a paramedic in the Joint USA and New Zealand Search and Rescue Team in Antarctica. I never stopped exploring, writing, and performing music. In fact, I designed a new vibraphone to take to the South Pole with me to practice on and to perform for the Scientists and support staff in McMurdo Station and the South Pole. It’s the only vibraphone that has ever made it to Antarctica. In 2020, during covid, I returned to North Texas and worked as paramedic in the Emergency Room at Medical City of Denton and began developing my music business again. In 2023, I completely retired from the Fire Rescue/Emergency Services and returned to music. I’m now focusing on what I’m calling “BlackBox House Concerts,” featuring my trio with John Adams on bass and Ricardo Bozas on world percussion instruments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The most difficult profession in the world is to be an Artist. Of course there are struggles everywhere. Throughout my life, I have always chosen the road less traveled and THAT has made all the difference. At my BlackBox House Concerts, I talk about those struggles and triumphs with the audience. I use my very interesting stories to break up the songs and intertain the audience. My home is a miniature concert room that has very good acoustics and presents my music very well. Our audience members range from well-established artists in the area and some very well-known writers and musicians who come to hear something they’ve never heard before and support our concerts very generously with tips and sponsorship.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Vibraphone performances, books and published pieces, the Musser/PIPERvibe and my innovations in the art of performing and designing the instrument.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My favorite thing about the city is that it’s in Texas and it’s my home. I love the freedom we still enjoy and the climate. I think it’s the best place in the world to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PIPERvibe.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pipervibedotcom/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_dn1PlcwxoLkJJm-zfRS5QdiS6GrfFJm
Image Credits
Kira Morris
