A native of Durham, North Carolina, Marcus Gee is an African-American cellist, singer-songwriter, and dedicated teaching artist. Marcus began his musical journey as a violinist in Kidznotes, an El Sistema-inspired program. Under the mentorship of Bonnie Thron, he transitioned to cello, a choice that set him on a path to extraordinary opportunities. These experiences led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he is currently completing his final year.
Marcus has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and The Barbican Centre. His recent highlights include touring with the Encuentros Orchestra led by Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, featuring luminaries such as Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding, and performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic during their centennial celebration tour. Marcus has also had the privilege of working with renowned conductors, including Marin Alsop, Joseph Young, Stephan Asbury, Thomas Wilkins, and Roderick Cox, enriching his artistry and deepening his connection to the world of classical music.
In addition to his accomplishments as a performer, Marcus is deeply committed to arts education and community engagement. He teaches as a cello instructor and string coach for the Tuned-In program at Peabody Preparatory and works with BSO OrchKids. Having grown up in El Sistema-inspired programs, Marcus is passionate about giving back and inspiring young musicians of color, showing them that a career in music is both achievable and impactful.
Marcus also serves as a college ambassador for El Sistema USA (ESUSA), sharing his journey to encourage the next generation of artists. His vision is to become a world-touring artist, performing his own works and creating inclusive spaces for youth from underrepresented communities to explore and develop their artistic voices. Through collaborative workshops and community-centered initiatives, Marcus aims to instill confidence, unity, and a sense of purpose in young musicians, both within their musical endeavors and beyond.
With a passion for both artistry and mentorship, Marcus continues to work toward a future where music serves as a bridge for empowerment, collaboration, and transformative growth in communities around the world.
