Well known Australian conductor Mark Ford, recently visited the United Kingdom to enjoy a period of music making and work as conductor in residence at the University of Salford, where he was also able to find a space in his busy schedule to achieve some long held ambitions.

Manchester

Mark thoroughly enjoyed staying with close friend Brett Baker as well as visiting Russell and Marieka Gray and was fortunate to be able to take part in a rehearsal with the current National Champion Foden’s, as well as Eccles Borough and Black Dyke.

real joy

Mark told 4BR: "It was a real joy and life-long dream to travel over conduct a UK championship section band.

I was amazed at being given the opportunity to conduct Foden’s in a rehearsal and I would like to thank Brett Baker, Mark Wilkinson and Michael Fowles for this unique opportunity."

National Finals

Mark also attended the National Finals at Cheltenham where he teamed up with 4BR work with the brass band press corps and provide video commentary and analysis.

He added: "The standard of the playing in all sections was very high indeed and the contest organisation by Kapitol Promotions was first rate."

Salford University

The centre-piece of the trip though was the chance to work in partnership with Performance Fellow Brett Baker and students at Salford University.

During his stay he conducted the Salford University Brass Band and the Salford University Wind Ensemble, as well as with conducting students.

It was a real joy and life-long dream to travel over conduct a UK championship section bandMark Ford

Enjoyed

He told 4BR that he particularly enjoyed working with the 3rd year students in Performance Etiquette and Performance Anxiety approaches.

"I really enjoyed observing the passion and enthusiasm displayed by all students in the sessions and I’m suitably impressed by the diverse courses offered to students by the Salford University," he said.

"The future is certainly bright for banding in this part of the world."