Mark E. Britt is a highly respected and experienced trombonist and educator. He has served in numerous leadership positions, including president for the South Carolina Music Educators Association and chairman of the National Collegiate Advisory Board for NAfME (formerly MENC). At Furman, he is the chairman of the music department. He is an active clinician and has presented sessions in Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Massachusetts, California, Michigan, and Virginia.
A celebrated chamber musician, Britt is the founder and music director of the Palmetto Posaunen, a professional trombone choir. Most recently the group performed at the 2011 International Trombone Festival. In addition, Britt has given recitals in Austria, Germany, Italy, and the United States. He is a former member of the Zephyr Brass Trio and his work with that group along with the Palmetto Posaunen includes the premier of nearly 20 compositions and arrangements. He has appeared at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the International Trombone Festival, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the Eastern Trombone Workshop, the International Horn Symposium, and Spoleto USA.
A former band director for North Carolina public schools, Britt has taught at Valdosta State University, Columbus State University, Appalachian State University, North Greenville University, and the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. His students have been national finalists in solo competitions sponsored by the International Trombone Association, International Tuba and Euphonium Association, and the Music Teachers National Association.
He is principal trombone of the Spartanburg Philharmonic, the Hendersonville Symphony, and performs frequently with the Greenville Symphony. He has served three times as the instrumental music director for the Montreat Music and Worship Conference, an event sponsored by the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and at Furman he is a member of the Presbyterian Student Association Campus Ministry Support Team.
Training
John Drew
Florida State University
Frank Crisafulli
Northwestern University
Harold McKinney
Appalachian State University
I shape my teaching to the unique needs, desires, and goals each student brings to the studio. Learning in music is a daily activity resulting in the gratifying state of constant development and refinement. It is my job to assist the student in developing a plan to reach their professional goals by providing a learning environment that will allow the student to flourish.
My background as an educator and performing musician has crafted my commitment to extensive involvement with professional organizations. I firmly believe one can be a dynamic educator, performer, or administrator while creating a life that is imbued with purpose and meaning. Being a musician has moved me along that edifying path and I am eager to share that walk with my students.