Mark Robertson Foutch (1922-2002) was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 22, 1922. The son of Mark R. (sr.) and Grace Wormood Foutch, he began his music studies at an early age, playing horn at age 7. He attended Springfield, Illinois schools as a child. In 1939, Foutch joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus band. After a brief musical career, performing with conductors like Sir Thomas Beecham, Karl King, and Col. Armin Hand, he joined the army. Foutch performed euphonium with the 33rd Infantry Division band during WWII. Following the war, he received his optometry degree from Monroe College of Optometry in 1947 and began practicing in Central Illinois.
Throughout the 40s and 50s, Foutch regularly performed with the Champaign Elks Band, the Springfield Municipal Band, the Ansar Temple Shrine Band (Springfield), and the Danville Consistory Band. He also performed as a sit-in with the 505th Air Force Band when it was directed by WOJG Kenneth Berger. Throughout this period, Foutch composed pieces for wind band. His piece Air University was premiered by the 505th Air Force Band on June 16, 1952. In 1954, Foutch formed his own commercial ensemble, "The Mark Foutch Brass Band", which he led until 1977. The band was based in Champaign, Illinois and performed concerts in the the style of the John Philip Sousa Band. In addition he served as the director of the Ansar Temple Shrine Jazz Band (Springfield). Foutch died on November 6, 2002 and was buried in Champaign, Illinois' Mount Hope Cemetery.
Sources:"What? An Optometrist on a Euphonium? It's Doc," The Wings (Hoopeston, IL) (June 16, 1952): 3
"Mark R. Foutch Is Given Degree," Illinois State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) (December 23, 1947): 8.
"Band Will Play Number by Foutch," Illinois State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) (July 14, 1942): 5.
"Foutch Band Here Feb. 22: First Appearance in this Area," The Journal Star (Peoria, IL) (January 23, 1956): 5.
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