Born and raised in Northeast Portland, Mar Markham began playing their first instrument (flute) in the 6th grade. Later, while playing baritone saxophone at Concordia University Portland, Mar learned that handbell choirs existed and joined the university’s ensemble in 2017. As a former dance team coach and choreographer, Mar’s favorite instrument by far is handbells because it combines both worlds of musicianship and movement. Mar joined Bells of the Cascades in Fall 2021, rang in Velocity Handbell Ensemble for a season, then returned to BOC in Fall 2023!

Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2019 and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs in 2021, Mar now works as a Disability Resource Specialist at Clackamas Community College. When they’re not ringing, you might find Mar hanging around the social dancing scene at Portland Lindy Society events, or spending quality time with their pets!