Mark Fakler serves as the Director of Vocal Music for grades 5-12 at Grundy Center Community Schools. In this role, he works to instill in his students not only the musical know-how, but the passion and skills to be life-long musicians. He leads five curricular choirs as well as multiple extracurricular activities including GC Jazz (9-12 auditioned jazz choir), Opus and All-State Honor Choir preparations, the annual high school musical production, and countless other music-making opportunities for his students.

Mark holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Wartburg College, and is certified to teach K-12 band or choir. During his time at Wartburg, he toured and performed with the world-renowned Wartburg Choir in 12 states and 4 countries, and was often featured as a soloist.

In the Cedar Valley, Mark maintains an active presence in the musical community as a member of local auditioned community choir Bel Canto. He can often be spotted on stages, or in auditoriums, and amphitheaters around the state: his most recent engagements include appearing as the titular role in the Gallagher Bluedorn’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, serving as a judge in the Bill Riley Talent Show in Waterloo, and performing as a featured soloist for both the Waterloo Municipal Band as well as the Metropolitan Chorale.

When not performing or teaching, you may catch him exploring the great outdoors with his wife (who is an excellent biographer) and dog, jamming on his ukulele, or reading books like The Lord of the Rings.