Markel R. Porter grew up in Cherryvale, KS, where her love of music grew from her family making music both at home and at church. Porter began performing concerts in churches as a soloist at the age of 17, then went on to Coffeyville Community College (KS) where she was involved in the show choir and the concert choir. Following graduation from CCC, she and her husband moved several times and she started her career in music retail in which she worked fourteen years. Many years and three children later, she attended Pittsburg State University and earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in Vocal Performance. Mrs. Porter has been teaching at Coffeyville Community College since 2018. She has enjoyed performing in several operas with the Tulsa Opera Chorus as well as some SEK area musicals. She is now enjoying conducting area festival and league choirs as well as the music for the Coffeyville Children's Summer Musicals.