A product of the rich cultural life of Chicago, composer-conductor Mark Camphouse was born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1954. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Northwestern University where he studied conducting privately with John P. Paynter and trumpet with Vincent Cichowicz. A Chicago Civic Orchestra scholarship enabled Camphouse to study trumpet privately for two years with legendary Chicago Symphony Principal, Adolph Herseth. Largely self-taught as a composer, Camphouse began composing at an early age, with the Colorado Philharmonic premiering his FIRST SYMPHONY at age 17. His 16 published works for wind band have received widespread critical acclaim and are performed frequently here and abroad. Many may be heard on the Albany, Citadel and Summit labels. Mr. Camphouse has served as guest conductor, lecturer and clinician in 39 states, Canada and Europe. He is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association and serves as coordinator of the National Band Association Young Composer Mentor Project. Camphouse conceived and edits the unique multi-volume book series for GIA Publications, Composers on Composing for Band. Mr. Camphouse is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Radford University in Virginia, a position he has held since 1984. Other principal artistic and administrative positions he has held include serving as Music Director and Conductor of the New Mexico Music Festival at Taos Symphony Orchestra (1977-1982), Music Division Head of the Virginia Governor's School of the Arts (1985- 1989), and Acting Dean of Music of the New World School of the Art's in Miami, Florida during the 1998-99 academic year. Camphouse is the recipient of various awards, including the Dedmon Award for Professorial Excellence (Radford's highest faculty honor) and an Outstanding Faculty Award by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia - the Commonwealth's highest honor for demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and public service. Mark Camphouse and his wife, soprano Elizabeth Curtis, reside in Radford with their twin daughters, Beth and Briton.