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Wichita State music student John Mark Koontz stands outside Miller Concert Hall with his double bass, the instrument he’s mastered through years of applied learning and performance.

Meet a Shocker: John Mark Koontz

April 23, 2025
By WSU Strategic Communications

Music at Wichita State

At the Wichita State University School of Music, we believe music can transform lives. We dream big and develop creative opportunities to enhance the lives of our students and our community. Our undergraduate programs provide students with a deep and varied musical education that gives them the freedom to pursue their musical passions, develop their skills, and chart their own career paths. We seek to foster each student's professional and artistic growth through rigorous coursework, applied learning experiences, and personalized mentorship.

 

John Mark Koontz is graduating with a Bachelor of Music in double bass performance. He credits Wichita State’s faculty and ensembles for shaping his growth. His advice: stay consistent. Progress takes time, but it adds up.

John Mark is one of more than 2,100 students eligible for spring 2025 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad. 

What degree will you be earning in May? 

Bachelor of Music in double bass performance

What is your hometown? 

Newton, Kansas

What schools did you attend before coming to Wichita State?

Newton High School

Why did you choose Wichita State University? 

I chose Wichita State because of its outstanding music faculty and great ensembles. It’s been such a joy learning fun music both on my own and with others!

What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was preparing for my senior recital. It was music that stretched what I could do on my instrument. But I was able to be consistent and get in the practice room every day, even on the days I didn’t feel my best. And when the recital came, it was a rewarding experience.

Did you have any applied learning experience as a student? If so, what was it? 

I was able to get good applied learning experience through lessons with my bass professor, Dr. Mark Foley. He has been such a pivotal guide, and I’ve grown immensely as a musician because of his knowledge and patience.

What advice would you give other Wichita State students?

My advice to other Wichita State students is to form good habits and then keep consistent in everything that you’re doing. The progress won’t show right away, but that’s all part of the process. Effort compounds, and if you keep doing the right things, good results will start to come your way.

About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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