Efferent Verb Team:

Meet Mark Francis, a composer, songwriter, performer and orchestra administrator. 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. He has received 10 ASCAP Standard Awards and 10 ASCAP Plus Awards for his compositions. Dr. Francis performs on guitar and mandolin, most recently as part of the Atlanta Mandolin Orchestra. He has contributed to the contemporary music journal, 21st Century Music, reviewing concerts and recordings. Join us as we delve into his musical journey and learn more about the creative passion that drives him.

Interviewer: How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

Interviewer: How has your background and upbringing influenced your musical style and compositions?

Mark: I have always enjoyed harmony and the feelings it can generate. I heard a lot of gospel quartet singing growing up. The rock music of the late 60’s and 70’s was also an influence, particularly progressive rock. In college I became interested in the music of Shostakovich and Bartok, rejecting the on-going Brutalist style.

Interviewer: Who were your biggest influences and role models in your musical and personal life?

Mark: Musically, Shostakovich, Ginastera, my teachers: Walter Hartley and James Eversole. Personally, I don’t know.

Interviewer: What have been some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Mark: I didn’t go to highly recognized schools. It makes it very hard to find a job in a desirable place or orchestra. You have to believe in yourself and not let all the rejections get to you.

Interviewer: What motivates you to continue creating and performing music?

Mark: Defiance. I have received innumerable rejections of my music and job applications, I have kept composing and performing because I know I have something worthwhile to say musically. Simply, I love music and I love having composed.

Interviewer: Can you share a moment or experience that you felt most proud of?

Mark: Though I am proud of my music, I think I am most proud of how I was able to integrate our music camp when I was Director of Education with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Interviewer: How do you want to be remembered as a musician and composer?

Mark: That despite many barriers, obstacles and disappointments he persevered and overcame and contributed to the culture.

Interviewer: Can you describe your creative process when composing a new piece of music?

Mark: I find something I want to do or a performer(s) I would like to work with and a set to work. I have written enough that once I have figured out what the thing is supposed to be, I start writing.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about a particularly memorable project or composition you worked on?

Mark: I worked with the conductor of the Jackson State University Orchestra on a setting of portions of MLK’s 1967 Christmas sermon. The composition is called The Trumpet of Conscience for narrator and orchestra. The premiere took place at the Library of Congress on February 14, 2007, with Congressman Bennie Thompson as the narrator. It was very windy that day and the windows of the building howled at times.

Interviewer: How have you balanced the various aspects of your music career, such as teaching, composing, and performing?

Mark: At the moment I am not working so there is plenty of time to write. While working I try to be consistent and write some each day.

Interviewer: What do you aim for your students to gain from your music lessons?

Mark: When I taught Music Appreciation, I tried to inculcate that this music is part of all of us and what great variety we have. The music is not as daunting as it is sometimes presented. There are great stories in there.

Interviewer: How do you approach the process of working with an orchestra as an administrator, and what are some of the challenges that come with this role?

Mark: I began work as an orchestra administrator in 2002. The challenges have become greater as time has gone on. It becomes hard each season when you have to try to convince people to come to concerts and donate money when the educational system and media devalues what we do or ignores us completely.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about any future projects or goals you have for your music career?

Mark: There are 3 projects that are in the very early stages of process: an opera with a poet I met on Facebook, a ballet about pet adoption for 2 pianos, and an orchestra work for two soloists and orchestra with longtime friend who is a conductor.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and composers who are just starting their careers?

Mark: I can’t say it would be very positive at this time. There’s a great deal of anger and divisiveness in the name of justice on campuses these days. My advice would be supportive of each other. Always believe in yourself. Question everything (sometimes your teachers don’t know what the hell they are talking about. They are not gods).

Contact:     marklfrancis@hotmail.com

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