Saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer/arranger, and music educator Mike Wark received his B.Mus. (Jazz Studies) from Thompson Rivers University via Humber College, and M.Mus. (Jazz Performance) from University of Toronto. He has studied saxophone with Don Palmer, Mark Promane, Kelly Jefferson, Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald, Mike Murley, flute studies with former T.S.O. flautist Virginia Markson, and improvisation with international saxophonist/jazz pedagogue Dave Liebman. As a versatile musician on the Toronto scene, Mike has worked with the likes of Nova Sinfonia, Luis Mario Ochoa and Cimarron, Toronto Jazz Orchestra, NOJO, Jane Bunnett, Persian-Pop star “Sattar,” children’s entertainer/TV star Fred Penner, and The Hugh Jackman Show. He has shared the stage with jazz greats Don Thompson, Randy Brecker, Steve Gadd, Dave Liebman, Ralph Alessi, and Vince Mendoza. He has performed throughout Canada, US, and Cuba in numerous international jazz and blues festivals, pit orchestras and can be heard on CBC Radio Live, jingles, film soundtracks, and numerous albums. Mike currently keeps busy teaching, writing, and performing with a variety of ensembles in Toronto.