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Dennis Marks was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer, conductor, and educator. He was born on December 4, 1950, in New York City, and grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a painter, which exposed him to different forms of art from an early age. Marks began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of six. He showed a natural talent for music and quickly progressed to other instruments such as the cello and the bass. He attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he studied composition and conducting. After graduating, he went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. Marks began his professional career as a composer, writing music for various ensembles and orchestras. He was known for his innovative and experimental approach to composition, which incorporated elements of jazz, rock, and other genres into classical music. His works were performed by renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Marks was also a talented conductor. He served as the music director of the New York Youth Symphony from 1979 to 1985, where he led the orchestra in performances at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious venues. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. Marks was a passionate advocate for music education and worked tirelessly to promote music education in schools and communities. He served as the director of education for the New York Philharmonic from 1993 to 1998, where he developed innovative programs to introduce young people to classical music. He also served as the director of education for the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 2002 to 2006, where he continued his work to make classical music accessible to all. Throughout his career, Marks received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1983, he was awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for his book, "Music and the Mind." In 1998, he received the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming. He was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship. One of the highlights of Marks' career was his collaboration with the renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp. He composed the music for several of her ballets, including "The Catherine Wheel" and "In the Upper Room." The collaboration between Marks and Tharp was highly successful, and their works were performed by ballet companies around the world. Marks' legacy in the world of music is significant, and his contributions to music education have had a lasting impact. He passed away on January 6, 2018, at the age of 67, leaving behind a rich body of work and a legacy of excellence in music education. His dedication to music and his passion for sharing it with others will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers for years to come.

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