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 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 for fourteen years. Porter attended Pittsburg State University and earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in Vocal Performance. After teaching privately, she began her college career at Coffeyville Community College where she taught from 2018-2024 and is just beginning her career at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, OK. She has enjoyed performing in several operas with the Tulsa Opera Chorus as well as some SEK area musicals. She also enjoys conducting area festival and league choirs.