4BR has been informed that Mark Ford has announced his retirement from full time resident conducting at Kew Band Melbourne.

14 years

After fourteen highly successful years, Mark told 4BR that the time had come for a change.

"I intend to continue my conducting career outside of the residential model," he said. "I look forward to travelling overseas to pursue conducting opportunities as well as within Australasia in the capacity of a conductor for specific projects."

Immense success

Mark’s drive kept the Kew Band at the forefront of Australian banding throughout his tenure, gaining a highly respected contest and concert reputation under his baton, as well as becoming increasingly involved in their local community.

Former Band President, Tim Curnow, told 4BR: "Mark took us to a resounding win at the South Australian State Championships in 1996 and we soon became unstoppable – especially in 1998, when we won the Australian National as well as the Victorian, New South Wales and South Australian State Championships, all in the same year."

Championships

The band gained further contest successes at the National Championships in 2000 and 2011, and also won the Australasian Open under his direction in 2009.

Tim added: "Mark has always been a committed and passionate MD. He expended enormous effort rehearsing the technical aspects of the pieces before adding the musical flair only the top MDs possess."

Mark has always been a committed and passionate MD. He expended enormous effort rehearsing the technical aspects of the pieces before adding the musical flair only the top MDs possessTim Curnow

Advisory capacity

He concluded: "Mark was made a Life Member during his tenure. With a conducting career spanning thirty years, his experience and expertise will be sorely missed, so we are most grateful to him for indicating that his services in the future will always be offered in an advisory capacity.

The band joins in thanking Mark and wishing him all the very best for his future endeavours."

Proudest achievement

Mark added: "My proudest achievements are the three National titles and the Tour of Japan in 1999. I leave with many great Kew Band Melbourne performances on the stage to remember, none more so than at the 2010 Australian National Championships in Hobart."