In Memory of Tom Marks

On May 6, 2003 the world suffered a mighty loss. Tom Marks died in an automobile accident. He leaves behind a far reaching legacy. His life touched the hearts of many people in so many ways. For most of us, it was through his beautiful music and his gentle approach in teaching. Tom was our quartet coach, sometime 2nd viola, or sometimes violin or viola substitute. He leaves behind his wife Lucky and their five wonderful sons who all play stringed instruments. Jethro plays viola with the Ottawa Symphony and also plays violin. David plays viola, violin and guitar, Paolo plays cello, fiddle and bass, Theo plays cello and banjo and is in a band called "Tiger Bomb" Vincent plays violin. All have been members of the Loudoun Symphony and each so far has soloed with the orchestra in his senior year in high school. Vincent is to be a senior in high school for the 2003/2004 symphony season.

Tom taught violin and viola to many of the musicians in Loudoun county and was the private teacher for Jean, Sheri and Catharine. Tom wrote a book about bow technique, The Disciplined Bow, that is very enlightening and can be purchased from Shar Music Online Store. He taught French, Spanish, English as a second language and taught home bound students. We particularly enjoyed Tom's love for language and word play. Jean speaks French, Valerie is fluent in Spanish and Catharine studied Spanish and German in school. During our rehearsals one would hear comments in any of these languages and the occasional pun.

Tom was principal second violin in the Loudoun Symphony and also played in the Maryland Symphony and played many jobs in the area. He and his sons have performed in trios, quartets, quintets together.

The Catoctin Quartet considers it a priviledge to have had Tom as our coach.