Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Markell Allen found his passion for Color Guard at a young age and has since grown to be an avid participant in the activity. Marching with an array of groups including, Carolina Crown, Boston Crusaders, Etude Winter Guard and Pride of Cincinnati, his experiences have allowed him the chance to learn and grow as a performer and educator in the artform. As an educator, Markell has had the opportunity of teaching a multitude of groups that span across more than 5 states, including many South Carolina high school and independent groups, Indianapolis high school groups, Legends Drum & Bugle Corps, and Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. His career has recently expanded to teaching at the Pride of Cincinnati, as well as doing design and choreography for groups from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast and the Midwest.

Markell received his B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the University of South Carolina and works in creating digital and print designs for multiple purposes. He mainly focuses his efforts in the pageantry arts, curating his skills towards creating for the band and guard communities. He works with a multitude of printing companies producing sets, costumes and visual elements for productions. Markell currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana working with groups in the Indianapolis area and continuing to design for groups across America.