Mark Istratie began his career in pageantry in Farmington Hills, MI. Upon graduating from Harrison High School, Mark went on to perform with Ancora Winter Guard (2008-2009) and with the Madison Scouts (2008-2010). Mark then continued his career in Michigan, teaching various ensembles including Harrison High School, Lake Orion High School, Oakland University Winter Guard, Ancora Winter Guard, Farmington United Winter Guard, Farmington United Percussion, Ovation Independent, West Bloomfield High School and Plymouth-Canton Educational Park. 

Mark then lived in San Antonio, Texas where he served as the Color Guard Director at Judson High School and joined the technical staff for ORIGINS (Austin, Texas).

In 2021 Mark has relocated to Austin, Texas where he has had the pleasure of teaching ORIGINS Open, Vista Ridge High School, James Bowie High School, Hendrickson High School, Leander High School and currently serves as technician and choreographer for the 2022 WGI Scholastic A Bronze Medalist, Westlake High School. As of fall 2022, Mark has served as the Color Guard Director at Westwood High School, earning multiple WGI Regional finalist placements.

Mark studied Vocal Performance at Madonna University and holds current performance positions with the Michigan Opera Theater, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Audivi, Opera MODO, and Opera San Antonio. Mark is a staff singer for St. Martins Lutheran Church and performs as a soloist in the greater Central Texas area. Most recently, he has performed with Austin Opera, Texas Bach Festival, Conspirare Symphonic, Unheard and Austin Cantorum. Mark performed on the 2024 GRAMMY-nominated album "House of Belonging" with Conspirare and has been on the roster since 2021.