Meet Marquis
What started as a curious rummage through his father’s records of Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Boney James, Kirk Whalum and Grover Washington, birthed the void of a sound that only Marquis Hare could fill. Introduced to music at the young age of five, Marquis digested the sounds of Jazz, Blues and R&B, until he discovered the one sound that wasn’t enough just to consume; he had to contribute to its legacy….the voice of the saxophone. Six years later from the discovery of his purpose, Marquis began his journey to master this beautiful instrument of love. From the first wind blown into an alto sax, to the continuing breath of brilliance heard through the soprano, Marquis has truly become the sound of necessity to all who hears.
Born in Cleveland, OH, raised in Atlanta, GA, Marquis received his Associate of Arts degree in music with an emphasis in Choral Studies from Gordon College. In 2007, received his Bachelor of Arts in music from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. While at Columbus State University he played for the famous 1950’s Do-Wop group formed out of Chicago “The Impressions.” He also played for a variety of churches while running band camps in Columbus, GA. He has had the opportunity to perform with Tia fuller and Brandford Marsalis. Finally in 2010, received his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of Tennessee, where he has had the pleasure of studying with Donald Brown (Internationally known Jazz pianist), Greg Tardy (jazz saxophonist), Mark Boling (jazz guitarist), Keith Brown (jazz drummer), Rusty Holloway (jazz Bassist), and Vance Thompson (Trumpter), just to name a few. Also have had the opportunity to play with Kirk Whalum at a charity called “Jazz for Justice” in 2007. He also has recorded with Donald Brown and a neo-soul group called Aftah Party. He has performed with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and Impressions.
Currently, Marquis performs with Sabor Brass Band and composes/arranges for his group “Transform’D” out of Atlanta, Ga. He also teaches lessons privately in saxophone, piano, and flute. He has released his first single called “Chasing Rain” on all online music sources and is currently working on his debut album, which will be released in 2020.
