Mark Bixel, son of Dean and Brenda Bixel of Bluffton, was the winner of the 2014 Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne Gene Marcus Piano Competition.

He was the first place winner in the Senior Division. First round auditions were held May 17 and 18 with the final round of competition held in June at IPFW.

Mark, 16, will be a junior at Bluffton High School in the fall. He has been studying piano since the age of 4 with his teacher, Kathleen Price of Findlay. He performed Aufschwung, from Fantasiestucke, Op.12 by Robert Schumann for the winners recital.

Mark received a cash award and trophy at the winners recital. The recital was recorded and will be broadcast on Fort Wayne Public Television on WFWA PBS 39.1 in the early fall. This hour-long production showcases the performances of the top three winners in the four divisions and gives an overview and history of the competition by the director, Dr. Hamilton Tescarollo.

The Gene Marcus Piano Competition is for young pianists up to the age of 18 who reside within 100 miles of Fort Wayne.