Cornet Tutor 

Mark started playing the cornet aged 6 with his local band Ellenbrook and Boothstown before moving to the Walkden Band and then Besses Boys aged 13 where he stayed for 5 years on Principal Cornet. During this time Mark was also appointed Principal Cornet with the ‘National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.’ When he was 18 Mark joined the Wingates Band on Principal Cornet for 2 years before accepting Howard Snell’s offer to join the Britannia Building Society Band (now Foden’s) on Principal Cornet in 1992. During this time he has been privileged to have won every major contest with Foden’s.

As well as performing across the World as a soloist he is also heavily involved in Youth education. Mark enjoyed 3 years as the cornet tutor with the ‘National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain’ and has been an entrance examiner and cornet tutor with the ‘National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain’ since 2000. Mark has also appeared as a cornet tutor with the ‘National Youth Brass Band of Wales’ ‘National Youth Band of Switzerland’ as well as a guest soloist with the ‘National Youth Brass Band of Denmark.’ As well as being a founder member of the ‘Northern Ireland Armagh Summer School’ he is in demand on various summer schools in this country and abroad.

As an Educator he has taught at the RNCM, University of Salford, Manchester Metropolitan University, Durham University as well as being an external examiner at the RNCM, Birmingham Conservatoire and consultant with the ABRSM. Mark has adjudicated at a number of leading contests in this Country and overseas being appointed on the ‘Association of Brass Band Adjudicators’ Executive Committee in January 2017 becoming their chairperson in 2018.

In 2022 Mark was awarded the ‘Iles Medal’ by the Worshipful Company of Musicians in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the brass band movement. The award is seen as the most prestigious endorsement for service within the brass band community and has been awarded yearly since 1947.