The respected Australian brass musician Mark Ford has been awarded the prestigious 2018 Frank Wright Medal for Services to Music.

Frank Wright MBE was born in the gold mining town of Smeaton near Ballarat in 1901, becoming a leading figure in Australian brass banding before moving to England in 1933. There he became a figure of world renown composing and transcribing many works including a famous series of orchestral overtures — his last, 'Benvenuto Cellini' for the World Championships in 1970. He died in November the same year.

Nationally recognised

The nationally recognised honour was initiated in 2001, with Mark now following in the footsteps of some of Australian banding's finest musicians.

During his career he has been a multiple State and National solo champion, led amongst others, the Kew Band to three Australian National and one Australian Open titles, has helped produce numerous award winning and critically acclaimed CD releases and musical projects, composed works for the medium and been a highly respected adjudicator, teacher and mentor.

Mark has been such an inspiration to so many, and is rightly regarded by being presented with this award, as a legendDr. Matthew van Emmerik

Banding legend

Speaking to 4BR about the award, his friend and colleague Dr. Matthew van Emmerik said that it was a fitting recognition for a musician regarded by many as something of a banding legend.

"Mark has been such an inspiration to so many, and is rightly regarded by being presented with this award, as a legend.

Not only is he so respected in the field of brass playing, but also across many genres of music and music making. This is a most deserved of awards."