Mark started playing the cornet aged 6 with the Ellenbrook and Boothstown band before progressing to the Walkden band. When Mark was 13 he was appointed principal cornet with the Besses Boys band before joining the Wingates Band on principal cornet.

During this time he was also appointed principal cornet to the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. In 1992 mark accepted Howard Snell's offer to join the then Britannia Building Society band (now Fodens) on principal cornet a position he still holds to date.

Mark is in demand in this country and abroad as a teacher, soloist and adjudicator and has appeared in Australia, America, Norway, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium. Mark is an entrance examiner for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain as well as being one of their cornet tutors. Mark is also cornet tutor to the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain, Northern Ireland summer school in Armagh and has recently been asked to appear as cornet tutor with the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Mark is a Courtois clinician where he helps promote the range of Courtois instruments. As well as regular appearing on radio as a soloist Mark also has a number of solo recordings to his name.

Mark is currently employed as a brass teacher in Derbyshire and Stockport and is a director of 'Harlequin Concerts Limited' a promotions company recently involved in the successful concert promotions series with Fodens and the world famous Opera Babes.

Instrument: Courtois Bb Cornet - Chambord II 106 XLR.

Londonderry Air (74kb)

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Mark can be contacted by e-mail