Born and raised in Biggar, Saskatchewan, Marc Holt began his journey in music at an early age. Starting with piano lessons, Marc eventually expanded his skills to include electric and bass guitars, and played baritone and alto saxophone in his school band. After high school, he chose to pursue music in a post-secondary education setting, focusing his studies on the saxophone. In 2008, Marc moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan. In 2009, he was accepted into the Music Education program there. While at the University of Saskatchewan, Marc played with the Jazz Ensembles, Saxophone Choir, Concert Band, and Wind Orchestra. He eventually switched to the Bachelor of Arts program, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music in 2014. Though he is now living in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Marc continues to base his career out of Saskatoon.
Marc has performed with many groups/artists throughout his career, including The Bassment Big Band, the Toon Town Big Band, Oral Fuentes Reggae Band, the Drew Tofin Big Band, Graham Dyck, and Memory Lane: A Tribute to the 40’s, 50’s, & 60’s. He has recorded with the U of S Jazz Ensemble, the Drew Tofin Big Band, and Saskatoon-based band Between the Lines. Most recently Marc has been delving into the world of musical theatre and woodwind doubling, performing in the Langenburg production of Annie in March of 2020.
Currently Marc is freelancing as a performer and teacher. His main performance project is The Remainders, a band formed in 2020 by three members of his former group, the Marc Holt Quintet. As the Marc Holt Quintet, these young and talented musicians played both private and public events, as well as being featured at local establishments such as Prairie Ink, Bon Temps, and Melody Bar. In January of 2014, The Marc Holt Quintet released a 3-track EP, “The Majestic Sessions.” In that same year, they performed at the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival for the first time, and have performed at the festival every summer since. As a teacher, Marc has taught students of all ages, and given many clinics to beginner musicians on both saxophone and clarinet.
Marc is actively involved in the performing arts across the province, serving on the board of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils and the Yorkton Arts Council.