School of Music, Theatre
and Dance

Varner Hall, Room 207
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]

Marcus Schoon

Photo of Marcus Schoon

DSO Affiliate Applied Faculty, Bassoon

Contact: [email protected]


Born in Los Angeles, Marcus Schoon began studying piano at the age of nine and saxophone at 12. His introduction to bassoon began when his high school concert band lost their only bassoonist to graduation. He quickly volunteered to play bassoon and was soon involved in high school honor bands and orchestras throughout southern California.

Schoon graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Music degree in Bassoon Performance, studying with noted bassoon professor Norman Herzberg. Schoon went on to receive his Master of Music degree as a woodwind specialist at the Eastman School of Music. During his stay at Eastman, Schoon received the Performers Certificate in bassoon, and was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 1984, Schoon became Principal Bassoon of the Cleveland Ballet. He later added the positions of Principal Bassoon of the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Second Bassoon of the Cleveland Opera and Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and Chairman of the woodwind department of the Cleveland Music School Settlement. He also played extra with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony. While in Cleveland, Schoon studied bassoon and contrabassoon with the Cleveland Orchestra bassoon section, notably with David McGill, Principal Bassoon, and contrabassoonist Stan Maret. Schoon became contrabassoonist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in September 1992.

Schoon also frequently plays the saxophone in the orchestra. Classical and pops concerts have often featured his abilities in saxophone, jazz and woodwinds. Starting in high school, Schoon has pursued an active interest in jazz. Jazz band, and other jazz-related courses filled Schoon’s college life. After graduation, he studied jazz with such greats as Buddy Collette and Joe Farrell. A member of the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, Schoon is also on the adjunct faculty at Oakland University and Wayne State. In his spare time, he runs a martial arts school www.anshinkandojo.com and is an avid golfer.