Wilkinson joins M&B
Mercer & Barker has announce that Mark Wilkinson, Principal Cornet of Foden’s, the No1 ranked band in the world, has chosen to join M&B as a Performing Artist. M&B is currently working with Mark to develop a signature mouthpiece that it is hoped will soon be available for purchase.
Mark started playing the cornet aged 6 with his local band Ellenbrook and Boothstown before moving to the Walkden Band and then Besses Boys aged 13 where he stayed for 5 years on Principal Cornet. During this time he was also appointed Principal Cornet with the 'National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.' When he was 18 Mark joined the Wingates Band on Principal Cornet for 2 years before accepting Howard Snells offer to join the Britannia Building Society Band (now Foden's) on Principal Cornet in 1992. During this time he has been privileged to have won every major contest with Foden's.
As well as performing in France, America, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Ireland as a soloist, Mark is heavily involved in Youth education being a cornet tutor with the 'National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain' for three years as well as a entrance examiner and cornet tutor with the 'National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain' since 2000. Mark has also appeared as a cornet tutor with the 'National Youth Brass Band of Wales' 'National Youth Band of Switzerland' as well as a guest soloist with the 'National Youth Brass Band of Denmark.'
As well as being a founder member of the 'Northern Ireland Armagh Summer School' Mark is in demand on various summer schools in this country and abroad. In 2010 he was appointed as 'Visiting Cornet Tutor' at the Royal Northern College of Music, Cornet Tutor at the University of Salford and Cornet/Trumpet Tutor at Manchester Metropolitan University. Mark is also a Cornet tutor at Durham University, an external examining specialist at the RNCM and a cornet consultant to the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.'
Mark has been responsible for commissioning a large number of Cornet solos as well as a Concerto entitled ' Milestone' which is the title of his highly acclaimed solo cd. He also acts as an endorsee for a large number of products, has been the recipient of numerous solo awards and is regarded as one of the leading cornet players of his generation.
In 2022 Mark was awarded the 'Iles Medal' by the Worshipful Company of Musicians in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the brass band movement.
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