Mark Hunter is the Associate Director of Athletic Bands and Director of Pep Bands at The University of Alabama. Mr. Hunter is also the percussion director of the “Million Dollar Band”.

A native of Chicago, Mr. Hunter’s percussion education began under Bret Kuhn at the age of 12. He went on to graduate from The University of Kentucky where he studied under James Campbell. His involvement with the Wildcat Marching Band included marching, teaching and writing for the battery. Outside of his college studies, he marched snare drum with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (97-2000), during which time the group was awarded two high percussion awards and a World Championship. In 2004 Mark won an audition with the Tony and Emmy Award-winning show, Blast!, and toured Japan as the show’s marimba soloist.

Mr. Hunter comes to us from Austin, TX, where he served as a music educator in both Leader and Round Rock ISDs. Mark had the honor to work with the Vandegrift High School Band & Vision Dance Company from 2020-2022. During this time Vandegrift was named Bands of American Austin Regional Champions, and placed second at UIL State Championships along with other accolades. Mark also served as Percussion Director at Canyon Vista Middle School while keeping a large, active studio of private students.

His experiences extend beyond K1-12 and collegiate to include performance, instruction, management and design for many different Drum & Bugle Corps’ and indoor percussion groups including Music City Mystique from 2012-2016. Mark is currently the battery arranger for The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps.

Beyond teaching, Mr. Hunter is a composer and arranger for several groups across the country. His writing has been published by Tapspace Publications in The Blue Book Volume(s) 1, 2 and 3, and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for percussion quartet.

Mr. Hunter is committed to maintaining a high level of musical excellence while entertaining sports fans at The University of Alabama.