Musical Director - Mark Picken

Mark has been the Musical Director of Watership Brass since October 2002, having previously been a player in the band.

Growing up in Gloucestershire, an interest in music was sparked as an 8 year old by his father who was involved with the local Nailsworth Silver Band. Although now only an occasional player, Mark has enjoyed a wide range of musical activities in recent years both on the Eb Bass and his other great love, the saxophone.

It was whilst studying engineering at Warwick University, that the opportunity arose to try his hand at conducting the University Windband. This role also encouraged Mark to start writing and arranging music for bands and ensembles, something he very much hopes to continue with Watership Brass.

Music has proved a rewarding pastime away from his career in manufacturing. A Chartered Engineer, Mark currently works as an engineering manager for Procter and Gamble at their Gillette Plant in Reading.

Mark, and his wife Sally, met whilst playing in the Reading based South Berks Concert Band, and have a young son.