Hertfordshire Wind Sinfonia is another ensemble that is already aware of Mark’s emerging talent. “I was working with Peter Stark on the recording of Edwin Roxburgh’s ‘Saturn’ and after a wind sectional was approached because of my enthusiasm, motivation and inspiration and asked if I would like to take on the post of Music Director of the Hertfordshire County Youth Wind Orchestra. After many years of working with young people, the challenge of developing their wonderful but raw skills has never subsided. Their infectious energy and willingness to learn is a joy to behold.”

Mark has had a very fruitful year with the HWS including critically acclaimed concerts at St. John’s, Smith Square playing works by Holst, Bliss Rorem, Basford and finishing with Janacek’s magnificent Sinfonietta and at the Watford Colleseum where a programme of contemporary music saw the first UK performance of Clark McAlister’s Pascha. A workshop day with composer and Holst Scholar Raymond Head was particularly enjoyable, the HWS being introduced to his piece ‘Touching Eurydices’ as well as Holst’s ballet suite The Perfect Fool.

Hertfordshire continues to boast some of the country’s leading young musicians, many already at the top conservatoires, so there is no limit to what can be achieved.  

2007 sees the HWS Easter course finishing with a concert of Film Music in the Watford Colleseum. The Summer course is to be dedicated to recording sessions for a CD of Holst’s music in aid of the Holst Museum in Cheltenham. A major tour is being planned for 2008 as is a joint venture with the ‘local’ BBC Concert Orchestra.