Mark Harding studied music and composition at the University of Calgary, then switched into Computer Science and had a 30 year career in Information Technology, all while occasionally freelancing with rock bands, brass groups, and in symphony orchestras. Once he retired in 2015, trombone playing became a greater focus.

Mark frequently plays with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Red Deer Symphony, and has been a member of Altius Brass since 2008. He has played in many productions from operas (Rigoletto, Masked Ball, and Carmen) to commercial (Video Games Live, Mary Poppins, and West Side Story). Mark has the unusual distinction of having performed in the trombone section of the Calgary Philharmonic for Mahler’s Symphony #2 twice, 40 years apart.

He has played with Rita MacNeil, Diana Krall, Chris Walden, PJ Perry, Timepoint Ensemble, Bow Valley Chorus, Mount Royal Kantorei, Luminous Voices and Festival Chorus.

Mark was a member of Prime Time Big Band for 8 years.