A cornet player from Morecambe has won the Brookwright International Brass Solo Contest 2026.

The competition, which was open to brass players from around the world, asked players to record themselves playing a solo of their choice.

Thirty entries were received from six different countries and Mark Vause’s rendition of ‘Carnival of Venice’ was chosen as the winning entry.

Tom Hutchinson, one of the judges and principal cornet player of the famous Black Dyke Mills Band, commented: “Mark showed technical brilliance throughout the solo.”

By the age of 14, Mark was already showing exceptional musical ability, becoming the principal cornet of Morecambe Brass Band in 1983.

From Morecambe High School he went to Salford University to complete a music degree, during which time he became a member of the famous Foden’s Band and in 1988 was a finalist in the solo Championships of Great Britain.

Mark completed his teacher training qualification at Homerton College Cambridge and became musical director of the Cambridge University Brass Band.

He was also a founder member of the National Methodist Youth Brass Band, conducting them during tours of the USA, Jamaica, Norway, Sweden and Poland.

For the past 17 years, and whilst serving as director of music at Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall, he has been the conductor of the highly successful Lichfield Concert Band.

Now back living in Morecambe with his family, he is the newly appointed head of music at Ripley St Thomas School in Lancaster, whilst in his spare time he has become the conductor of Pilling Brass Band.

As winner of the Brook Wright international brass solo competition for 2026, Mark will be adding to his ongoing expertise by studying under the renowned American Performa, Composer and Clinician Jennifer Oliverio, based in Texas, USA.