NHBCOS Interview Spotlight...
New Horizons Band of Colorado Springs has over 100 musician members. Each and every member has a unique life story to tell. We would like to introduce you to our fabulous musical family.
Getting to know you...Mark Rankin
Name? Were you named after anyone? Yes, my first name of Ronald came from the British actor Ronald Coleman. My mother liked him. My middle name I go by, Mark, was the middle name of my paternal grandfather.
Where are you from? Grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas. Lived in Peoria, Illinois for 27 years, moved to Colorado in 1996.
What band are you in? Symphonic.
Do you play in more than one musical group? Yes, Symphonic Band and Clarinet Choir.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? A TV reporter on Walter Cronkite's CBS news.
Do you have kids? No kids.
Do you play more than one instrument? Yes, I have three clarinets.
What is your favorite dessert? Pineapple upside down cake.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Read, hike, travel, golf, watch tv sports, play clarinet.
What is or was your career? Mainframe computer operator.
What is your favorite type of music? All kinds - no particular favorite.
How did you get involved in music? Started in 5th grade with my dad's old clarinet.
What is your favorite Summer activity? Golf.
Have you ever been to a different country? I went backpacking in western Europe with two buddies when I was 22. At age 25 I traveled with one buddy and his uncle in what was then the Soviet Union.
Describe yourself in 3 words... Friendly, easy-going, unorganized.