About Our Directors

Mark S. Palmer, Director of Bands

Mark S. Palmer graduated from John Marshall High School in Glen Dale, WV in 1986, and holds a bachelors degree in advertising and bachelors and masters degrees in music education from West Virginia University.

Prior to coming to University High School in 2000, Mr. Palmer was the director of bands at Cameron High School in Marshall County, WV from 1995-1999, where his bands received numerous superior ratings and scores. He also served as adjunct director of bands at Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, PA in 1998-99.

Under Mr. Palmer's direction, the UHS wind ensemble and jazz ensemble have each received superior (I) ratings every year since his arrival, and the concert band has received superior (I) ratings eight times during the same span. Additionally, the marching band has been very successful, winning numerous awards throughout the years, including Grand Champion of the 2008 Ritchie County USSBA Competition, runner-up Grand Champion at the 2008 WV Oil and Gas Festival Competition, first place Group IV at the 2008 Preston "Music In the Mountains" TOB Competition, and first place Group IV and overall at the 2009 Northern Garrett TOB Competition.

Mr. Palmer worked as a graduate assistant in the WVU Division of Music during the 1999-2000 school year, teaching the guitar module and working as a university supervisor for student teachers. He has continued a close relationship with the WVU Division of Music, hosting 34 student teachers at UHS.

In 2009, Mr. Palmer was elected president of the West Virginia Bandmasters Association.

When time permits, Mr. Palmer, an accomplished singer/guitarist, performs in and around the Morgantown area.

Email: mpalmer@access.k12.wv.us

Neil L. King, Asst. Director of Bands

Neil L. King graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1987, and holds a bachelor of arts degree in music education from Fairmont State College and a master of music degree from The Ohio University School of Music, where he served as a graduate asst. in trumpet performance.

Prior to coming to University High, Mr. King was employed by Hardy County Schools in WV, where he was Director of Bands at Moorefield High School. While at Moorefield High, Mr. King's bands and ensembles received numerous superior ratings.

In addition to working in the Monongalia County Schools, Mr. King has served as an adjunct professor of music at Fairmont State College where he was director of the school's brass ensemble.

As a performer, King has played for audiences both abroad and domestically. In 1987 he performed at The Blue Danube Jazz Festival in Vienna, Austria. He frequently performs with the Fairmont Community Symphony Orchestra , the Fairmont Chamber Festival Orchestra, The Town and Gown Players, and The Mon River Big Band.

He has performed classical solo literature in master classes and private lessons for Allen Vizzutti, Wynton Marsalis, and George Vosburgh. He has also performed in master classes for jazz educator Jamey Aebersold.

Email: nlking@access.k12.wv.us