Involving a guest artist in the beginning stages of a concert can measurably increase the success of an event. Mark details the director’s, student’s, and guest artist's roles to one another and clarifies the importance of team cooperation.
When Mark performs as a guest soloist with a big band, he can perform the arrangements supplied by the band program, or he can supply his own 18 piece big band arrangements. If the band director chooses to use Mark's arrangements, his charts are sent to the band director prior to the performance. They can be regular mailed or e mailed as PDF files.
Audio and video of Mark performing the charts above are available on his online video: Click here for Mark's live performance video: for cable/dsl only
Mark emphasizes basic principles of music, which include the importance of style, interpretation, conception, dynamics, blend, intonation and rhythm. In this workshop, Mark defines improvisation, explains the process of learning how to improvise, and explains how students can teach themselves how to improvise.
Developing the upper register begins with effectively compressing air using the complete yoga breath. Mark demonstrates on the trumpet an even and big sound in over 4 octaves while maintaining a relaxed state. Mark provides literature to each student during the clinic and demonstrates his technique by actually having one of the trumpet players in the clinic hit notes they have never been able to play before. Students and professionals become frustrated with trumpet playing and often feel like they are failing. Failures are necessary for growth and triumphs are essential for understanding failures.
In his workshops, Mark defines key points for succeeding in the music industry;
Mark clearly professes the process of overcoming obstacles to meeting these goals and achieving professional and personal success. Mark's upper register clinic includes a description of the stages of change that takes place during the mind and body interaction when faced with challenges such as upper register playing. Mark simplify's things by breaking down the process of practicing into concrete tasks and then suggesting obtainable goals related to the outcome of practicing these concrete tasks. The explanation of the "practicing process" helps to reduce some of the anxiety related to performance, help increase self efficacy, and may help to make playing the instrument more enjoyable.
Mark leads and performs in six of his own wildly diverse musical groups which cover a multitude of genres from Swing to Dixieland, Be-Bop, and classical. Mark and his wife, Kathy founded their own corporation called Band Source Productions Inc. Together they perform over 140 events a year for companies such as: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, fortune 500 companies, Jazz Festivals, and corporate events. Mark has two solo CDs that are frequently played on Jazz stations around the country. As an experienced businessman, performer, contractor, and band leader, Mark offers a unique perspective of the music industry and shares this insight in his clinics. He also has a BA in music and psychgology and is earning his master's degree in mental health counseling from Rollins College.
Here’s what band directors said about their experience with Mark’s featured performer workshop at “Disney’s Magic Days Featured Performer Workshops”...
Mark was great to work with, fantastic soloist, amazing musician and this was one of the best opportunities our kid’s ever had”. Director; Scott Adkins of Waterford Ketering HS Symphonic Band from Waterford Ketering, Illinois
“Mark was an excellent role model for musicianship”. Director; Peter Tummillo of Jefferson Township H.S. from Oak Ridge, New Jersey
“Mark was complementary but still helpful and reinforced our teaching, adding credibility”. Director; Terry Krueger of Wautoma High School, Wautoma, Wisconsin