Marcus Schoon

Born in Los Angeles, California, Marcus Schoon began studying piano at the age of nine and saxophone at age 12. His introduction to bassoon began when his high school concert band’s only bassoonist graduated. He quickly volunteered to play bassoon and was soon involved in high school honor bands and orchestras throughout southern California.

Schoon graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Music in bassoon performance, studying with noted professor Norman Herzberg. Schoon went on to receive a Master of Music as a woodwind specialist at the Eastman School of Music. During his time at Eastman, he received a Performers Certificate in bassoon and was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 1984, Schoon became Principal Bassoon of the Cleveland Ballet. He later added the positions of Principal Bassoon of the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Second Bassoon of the Cleveland Opera and the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and Chair of the woodwind department of the Cleveland Music School Settlement. He also played as a guest musician with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony. While in Cleveland, Schoon studied bassoon and contrabassoon with the Cleveland Orchestra bassoon section—notably with David McGill, Principal Bassoon, and contrabassoonist Stan Maret. Schoon became contrabassoonist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in September 1992.

In addition to bassoon, Schoon frequently plays the saxophone in the orchestra. Classical and pops concerts have often featured his abilities in saxophone, jazz and woodwinds. Schoon has studied jazz with Joe Farrell and Chris Collins. A member of the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, Schoon teaches contrabassoon at Wayne State University. Schoon also teaches a Woodwind Techniques class and is Professor of Bassoon at Oakland University. In his spare time, he operates a martial school in Madison Heights (www.anshinkandojo.com) and is an avid golfer.