"Blackswamp instruments produce truly musical sounds: rich, full and articulate. Every BSP instrument I pick up feels comfortable in my hands, and therefore helps me achieve the sound I wish to add to an ensemble."

Mark Carson is currently an active freelance performer and educator in the Washington, DC area, specializing in classical and commercial performance. Mark is the former Assistant Principal Percussionist-Principal Drumset with the United States Air Force Concert Band, Washington, DC. Mark has performed with the National Symphony, Washington National Opera Orchestra and National Gallery of Art Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and is staff percussionist at Ford’s Theater. He has also performed with artists such as Diane Schur, Kenny Rankin, Chaka Kahn, Amy Grant, Ray Charles, and The Gatlin Brothers.

Mark has recorded soundtracks for Disney, National Geographic, HBO, Discovery Channel, National Public Radio, Learning Channel and the Fox network. As an educational artist for Sabian Cymbals, Pearl Drums/Adams Percussion, Black Swamp Percussion and Vic Firth drumsticks, he presents clinics at all levels. Mark actively commissions new works involving percussion and various instruments, and has given world premier performances of 12 works.