120 - Mark FordHappy Thanksgiving, everyone!Joining us this week is Mark Ford: educator, performer, and composer, who probably needs no introduction. In addition to running the percussion program at The University of North Texas, he tours as a solo artist and composer. He is also the Artistic Director for the annual Drum Fest Marimba/Vibraphone Competition in Opole, Poland.Watch here. Listen below.0:00 intro and hello4:55 Happenings in Poland? Casey's Marimba Concerto7:15 Naoko Takada: How do you manage/juggle so much? Family & career?9:37 A bit on the University of North Texas percusssion program12:40 How you've been so successful in helping students win jobs.16:11 Your experience with Keiko Abe.24:30 Ben: Eric Sammutt33:40 Kaipo: Your experience as our PAS President?39:20 Casey: What's the sound44:13 Mark, your composition process? A bit on "Head Talk"55:00 Fun story of "Stubernic" in Poland1:00:50 Ben and Mark's high school band director, Clyde Hughes.1:04:50 A new Mark Ford CD release!1:07:45 Thank and RIP to Mr. Mitchell Peters.