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Mark Ford is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of percussion. He was born on August 28, 1961, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. Ford began his musical journey by playing the piano at the age of six. However, he soon discovered his passion for percussion and started playing the drums in his school band. He continued to hone his skills and eventually went on to study percussion at the University of North Texas. During his time at the University of North Texas, Ford was a member of the renowned One O'Clock Lab Band, which helped him gain valuable experience in jazz and contemporary music. He also studied under the guidance of renowned percussionists such as Leigh Howard Stevens and Keiko Abe. After completing his studies, Ford began his professional career as a percussionist and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of the highlights of Ford's career was his performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he played the marimba during the opening ceremony. He also performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he played the vibraphone. In addition to his performances with orchestras, Ford is also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He has performed at numerous music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival, the Tanglewood Music Festival, and the Spoleto Festival USA. Ford is also a prolific composer and has written several pieces for percussion, including "Stubernic Fantasy," "Polaris," and "Head Talk." His compositions have been performed by orchestras and percussion ensembles around the world. In recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of percussion, Ford has received numerous awards and honors. In 1992, he was awarded the prestigious Léonie Sonning Music Prize, which is considered one of the most significant music awards in the world. He has also received the Percussive Arts Society's Lifetime Achievement Award and the University of North Texas Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition to his performing and composing career, Ford is also a respected educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of North Texas, the University of Michigan, and the University of Kansas. He is currently a professor of percussion at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. In conclusion, Mark Ford is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of percussion. His exceptional talent as a performer, composer, and educator has earned him numerous awards and honors, and his music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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