*
banner

Death of Mark Bingham

The death has been reported of the fine cornet player, tutor, conductor and teacher Mark Bingham.

Bingham
  The death has been announced of Mark Bingham

4BR has been informed of the death of the talented and hugely respected bandsman, Mark Bingham. He passed away on Thursday March 9th.

His untimely death has been greeted with great sadness within the brass band community throughout the island of Ireland and the UK.

Immense talent

A soloist and band player of immense talent and dedication, he enjoyed successful playing tenures with a number of bands, latterly, Third Carrickfergus Band.

Mark was also hugely respected peripatetic tutor and had been a popular guest player with the likes of Foden's and others, as well as playing for the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment as principal cornet.

Bingy

Known throughout the banding community as 'Bingy', along with his wife, Jacklin they nurtured and helped inspire countless youngsters to enjoy brass band music making.

They were an integral part in developing the 1st Old Boys Youth Band — the highlight being when both the senior and youth bands represented Northern Ireland at the European Championships in Perth in 2014.

He and Jacklin became integral parts of the Third Carrickfergus bringing their experience and dedication to bear.

Huge loss

A spokesperson for Third Carrickfergus Band told 4BR: "The banding world has suffered a huge loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the love of his life, Jacklin at this very difficult time."

Tributes have been paid by the banding world with the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment stating: "The band was deeply saddened and shocked at the untimely death last Thursday of our principal cornet player and dear friend Sergeant Mark Bingham.

Mark was an exceptional musician who had been a member of the band for 31 years. You may have seen him perform solos in many of our concerts.

Mark's knowledge and experience of music was respected by every member of our band and he was a fine mentor to our younger musicians. He was a kind, genuine character and a true bandsman. Our sincere condolences to his wife Jacklin and the entire family."

Much loved

Ballyclare High School — one of many that he taught at stated: "It is with huge sadness that we heard of the sudden passing of our much-loved brass tutor, Mr Mark Bingham.

Bingy was an inspirational teacher, a fabulous player and was adored by our pupils. He was kind, patient, encouraging and always positive with our young people. Mark was really funny too and there was often a story to share!

Mark played in our school production in the autumn and was due to play in our Spring Concert later this month.

His contribution to our Music Department and to music-making in the wider community was massive and his passing leaves a huge void for all of us who work to promote music for young people."

Bingy was an inspirational teacher, a fabulous player and was adored by our pupils. He was kind, patient, encouraging and always positive with our young peopleBallyclare High School

Sadness

Joe Cassells, Honorary President of 1st Old Boys Silver Band stated: "It was with deep and profound sadness that 1st Old Boys Silver Band learnt of the passing of our friend and former player Mark Bingham.

Bingy, as he was known, joined the band in the mid 1980's at the age of 16 as principal cornet, and proudly held that position for over 30 years.

He was a great encourager to younger band members and, along with his wife Jacklin, set up and ran the 1st Old Boys Youth Band for over ten years. Many of those young players graduated into the senior band under Mark and Jacklin's tutelage and owe him a huge debt."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


nybbgb

Celebration theme for National Youth Band concert in London

July 9 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be in musical celebration mode for their Summer Concert in London next month.


ai rOBOT

Artists combine with AI to win composition prize

July 9 • AI technology fuses with the 'human essence' to create award winning compositions in global competition.


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: FLUGELHORN. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented . player to fill the following vacancy, in order . to strengthen their line up: SOPRANO CORNET. . We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section . band, with a variety of contests, concerts & . community events annually.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd