The Mark Foutch Brass Band

Dr. Mark R. Foutch

July 22, 1922 - November 6, 2002

Gone But Never Forgotten

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About Our Conductor...

At 5 years of age, Mark Foutch was studying piano

and violin when his parents took him to a concert by Sousa's band.

After hearing Sousa, Mark inquired about playing in the Sousa band someday.

Upon being told that bands did not use pianos or violins,

Mark's mother suggested that he study

the cornet in two years when he became old enough

to enter grade school and play in the school band.

Following two years of cornet playing,

one of the two euphonium players graduated and

Mark volunteered to switch to that instrument.

It was love at first sound.

Mark has played in several great bands in this country

whose membership included former Sousa members.

He has also guest conducted many of these same bands.

Following WWII, Mark left the music business and graduated

with a Doctorate in Optometry and has practiced for over 50 years.

In 1954, Mark Foutch's Brass Band (complete with red and gold uniforms!)

was formed. The band stopped playing in 1977, but was reorganized by

Jerry Loyet in 1993 and was once again pleasing crowds with

energetic performances in the parks (he even had the pavilion in Hessel Park named after him!) and theaters of this area.

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2002 GoodBye to a Great Leader!

Welcome - Doc Frog decided to hang up his baton after leading the band since 1954!- and on November 6, 2002 sadly passed away from us to join his loving wife Joanie and conduct a greater band of musicians.

You can send his family an email by clicking here...or sign the guest book below.

Thank You to all the great musicians, guests and sponsors over the years!

The Mark Foutch Brass Band Sponsored by

the Champaign Park District

Check with the Champaign Park District for Scheduled Performances for this year. -