Mark Francis

Mark Francis’ musical career has varied from teaching, composing, performing and writing to orchestral administration. He has studied composition with Walter Hartley and James Eversole, and guitar with Joanne Castellani, Clare Callahan and Joseph Fratianni. He holds a D.M.A. in composition from the University of Kentucky and has taught at Mississippi State University, Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, Centenary College, Northwestern State University, Emory University, Agnes Scott College, Midwestern State University and Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex. He has received 10 ASCAP Standard Awards and 9 ASCAP Plus Awards for his compositions. His works has been performed internationally and have been part of the Corcoran Gallery Contemporary Music Series in Washington, D.C. The Jackson State University Orchestra premiered his composition on the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., The Trumpet of Conscience, at the Library of Congress in 2007. Conners Publications, NewMusicShelf.com, SheetMusicPlus.com and Imagine Music publish his compositions. Dr. Francis performs on guitar and mandolin, most recently as part of the Atlanta Mandolin Orchestra. He has frequently contributed to the contemporary music journal, 21st Century Music, reviewing concerts and recordings. He is past President of the Southeastern Composers League and Board Member for composition for the College Music Society, South Chapter. Presently, he is the Executive Director of The McLean Orchestra in Virginia. He has served as Executive Director of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, Director of Education and Librarian for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Director of Education and Community Outreach for The Florida Orchestra.