A product of the rich cultural life of Chicago, composer-conductor Mark Camphouse was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1954. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music from Northwestern University, where he studied conducting with John P. Paynter, composition with Alan Stout, and trumpet with the late Vincent Cichowicz. A scholarship from the prestigious Civic Orchestra of Chicago (Training Orchestra of the Chicago Symphony) enabled Camphouse to study trumpet privately for two years with legendary Chicago Symphony Principal Trumpet Emeritus, Adolph Herseth.

Camphouse began composing at an early age, with the Colorado Philharmonic premiering his First Symphony when he was 17. His 25 published works for wind band (Alfred, Kjos, Southern, and TRN Music Companies) have received widespread critical acclaim and are performed widely in the U.S. and abroad. Many may be heard on the Albany, Citadel, and Summit labels.

Camphouse has served as a guest conductor, lecturer and clinician in 42 states, Canada and Europe. He was elected to membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 1999 and has served as coordinator of the National Band Association Young Composer Mentor Project since 2000. He conceived and edits the unique multi-volume book series for GIA, Composers on Composing for Band.

Camphouse is Professor and Associate Director of the School of Music at George Mason University, where he conducts the wind symphony and teaches courses in conducting and composition.