Mark Allen Jr. holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Roosevelt University and master’s degree in music performance at New York University. 

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, clarinetist Mark Allen Jr. began his clarinet studies in 2011 through the Atlanta Symphony’s Talent Development Program. While in the program, he studied with bass clarinetist of the Atlanta Symphony, Alcides Rodriguez. Mark has performed in numerous venues, such as Sydney Harman Hall, Symphony Center in Chicago, Harris Theater, The Auditorium Theatre, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Ganz Hall, Symphony Hall in Atlanta, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall. 

Mark has also served as principle clarinetist of multitude of ensembles, such as The Classical Symphony of Chicago, The Chicago College of Performing Arts Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble. He has performed with the Chicago Clarinet Ensemble, Colour of Music Festival Orchestra, Manchester Festival Symphony Orchestra, Soulful Symphony and the New York International Symphony Orchestra. As a studio musician he can be heard on the soundtrack of the film "Passover" and the documentary "Uber Presents", both directed by Spike Lee. 

Described by Pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute as “an excellent clarinetist”, Mark has competed in multiple chamber music competitions. Placing 1st in the American Protege placed 3rd in the American Prize Chamber Music competitions. Mark was accepted as a Fellow with the Chicago Sinfonietta during their 2016-2017 season. He has performed in masterclasses with Franklin Cohen, Michele Zukovsky, Mark Dover, Tod Palmer, Wonkak Kim and Charlene Zimmerman. ​