Brother Mallard

Lauren Baba: Violins
Audra Blackner: Voice
Ralph d’Ignazio: Electric Guitar and Electric Bass
Scott McIntosh: Winds
Satomi Otsubo: Keyboards
John Marr: Keyboards


John Marr (b. 1967) studied piano with Dr. Mary Mark Zeyen and composition with Dr. Lloyd Rodgers at California State University, Fullerton. He was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Composition-Master's of Music in 1995 by Lloyd Rodgers at California State University, Fullerton.  He has served as Artist in Residence for The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Educational Outreach Program and is currently on the faculties of Saddleback College, Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, and Cerritos College.

In 2007, John formed the ensemble Brother Mallard in order to perform “The Continuing Story of Counterpoint” (TCSOC) by David Borden.  Borden originally wrote the music in the 1970’s for his group, Mother Mallard (the inspiration for Brother Mallard's nom de plume) which consisted of three keyboardists.  Aside from "Part Nine," none of the remaining eleven movements had ever been performed on the West Coast.  John Marr was introduced to the music of David Borden during composition studies with Dr. William Alves of Harvey Mudd College.  John contacted Mr. Borden during June of 2006 and expressed an interest in obtaining scores for TCSOC for study and possible performance.  Mr. Borden was very supportive of the idea, and asked John which movements he would like.  John requested the four movements that he believed that he could get performed.  He received the score and parts and began assembling the ensemble, which gave its first performance in April of 2007. In addition to performing works by Borden, Steve Reich, and Arvo Pärt, Brother Mallard has expanded its repertoire to the new music of other composers, including that of Mr. Marr.