Coming from a typical brass banding family, Mark's first inclusion into the brass band world came at the tender age of five when he began to play the cornet. But even under the influence of his father, Eric, Mark was still unconvinced that cornet playing was his destiny, and so at the age of twelve, began playing percussion at Delph Youth Band and Oldham Music Centre. He then progressed through Lees and Glodwick Band before settling at Dobcross Youth Band.

Since then, Mark went from strength to strength playing in many well-recognised bands and joined the Todmorden Old Brass Band in 1998 when the band were promoted to the championship section.

Under the Baton of Eric Landon, Mark played for the Rochdale Youth Brass band for nearly 8 years and in this time won the solo prize at the youth entertainment championships held at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

Mark was a committed member of the National Youth Band of Great Britain for four years. During that time he was awarded several solo prizes for his hard work and virtuosi playing. He became the NYBB's first principal percussionist in 2001.

Mark is now very proud to be the percussion tutor for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and attends their yearly course in St. Andrews. When Mark is not at band he works as a peripatetic music teacher in the Manchester area.

Joining the Fodens Band in 1999 has been an excellent move for Mark. Since joining the band Mark has had the opportunity to play alongside some of the countries leading percussionists and has worked his way up through the ranks, thus earning himself the title of Fodens Principal Percussionist in 2000.

As principal percussionist Mark is often seen centre stage as one of the band's leading soloist's and he is keen to promote himself as a guest soloist.

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