Get to know the newest members of the Northshore Concert Band family through this series of mini-interviews! Don’t miss seeing and hearing Northshore Concert Band musicians, new and old, perform on November 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. during our season-premiere concert at the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in Evanston, Illinois.

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JACK MARQUARDT

Jack Marquardt plays the Clarinet and is a Math Teacher.

Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you came to play your instrument? I started playing clarinet in fifth grade beginning band. It wasn't my first choice, but I was immediately hooked and never looked back as music completely took over my life. I studied Clarinet at Oberlin, USC, and Northwestern, and I played professionally for seven years, four of which were full-time with my wind quintet, WindSync, with whom I was so fortunate to travel all over the country and world giving concerts. The traveling lifestyle wasn't really for me, and I stepped away from the profession and the clarinet for what I thought was for good 10 years ago, but got pulled back in a year ago and am so excited about this second act in my musical life.

What do you enjoy most about playing? I feel most alive when I am playing. It's a completely indescribable, intoxicating feeling. I also love the rehearsal process; growing something from the ground up through collaboration and experimentation is a very fulfilling process.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your musical journey so far? I've been fortunate to have had so many incredible teachers in my life, from my incredible band directors Janene Kessler and Dr. Thompson, to my clarinet teachers Darleen Carl-Beck, Richard Hawkins, Yehuda Gilad, and Steve Cohen. Each has given me something completely different that I still hold on to and take into my own classroom. My favorite performers who give me a ton of music inspiration are Martin Fröst, Martha Argerich, and Mitsuko Uchida.

Do you have a favorite musical memory? Performing John Corigliano's Clarinet Concerto with the Northwestern Symphony Orchestra was such a highlight for me. It was a major undertaking on such a complex piece that let me truly let go. It took so much hard work, but the end result is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Does anyone in your family play music? I'm a lone wolf. I'm hoping that one of my 4 nieces and nephews will follow in my footsteps eventually!

Do you have any interests or hobbies outside of music that influence your playing? I am an avid competitive runner. I love athletic training because it reminds me so much of the musical preparation process for performances and auditions. It takes a lot of consistent hard work and reflection to see the results that you want, but when you get them, there is no better feeling.

What is on your Spotify playlist or in your music library? I still listen to a ton of classical music of all kinds. I also love Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, SZA, and tons of other artists.

How did you feel when you found out you'd been invited to join the Northshore Concert Band? I was so excited! Working with Dr. Thompson at Northwestern was a truly transformative experience. To get to do it again is really exciting, especially with a group of people who have such a wide range of life experiences.

List three words to describe the Northshore Concert Band. Dedicated, Fun, Community

Please add anything else that you would like our audience to know. I'm looking forward to my first season and meeting our audience!