Scottish champion Whitburn has welcomed a number of new faces and made an important internal move as they prepare for their appearance at the National Finals next weekend.

Troms and perc

Ex-Brighouse and Rothwell player Dan Eddison joins on solo trombone having played with the band on their successful West Lothian Challenge victory.

Also joining on tenor trombone is Gerard Hennan from Coalburn Silver. Both Dan and Gerard are fourth year performance students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, and are joined by fellow student Daniel Fairley on percussion.

Daniel previously played for Co-operative Funeralcare Band and is a second year student at the RCS.

The new trombone duo replaces Alex Philip and Colin Buchanan. Alex is taking a break from banding after almost ten years with Whitburn, while Colin steps down due to work commitments.

Horns and flugel

In the horn section, Caron Robson comes in on flugel after agreeing to step in for Caroline Farren, who is due to give birth to her second child. Caron previously played for Kirkintilloch and Co-operative Funeralcare.

Meanwhile there is a family swap on horn as Michael Fleming takes over the solo horn role from his father Iain, who has filled role with great distinction for the past 30 years.

Spiriti

This week, Whitburn opened Sir James MacMillan's Cumnock Tryst Festival under the direction of Paul Lovatt-Cooper and the renowned composer himself, and will now focus their attention on the Royal Albert Hall under the baton of Michael Fowles.

The band is also set to perform with the Rambert Ballet on the Scottish premiere of Gavin Higgins' innovative 'Dark Arteries' brass band and ballet collaboration, whilst Prof Nicholas Childs will lead the band's defence of the Scottish Open title in November.

Band Manager Charlie Farren commented: "It's a fantastic, exciting time for the band and we welcome all our new members to be part of it."

The band will preview its National Championship preparation on 'Spiriti' at a free pre-National rehearsal and concert on Thursday the 8th of October at Whitburn Academy, Shanks Road, Whitburn4BR

Free preview

The band will preview its National Championship preparation on 'Spiriti' at a free pre-National rehearsal and concert on Thursday the 8th of October at Whitburn Academy, Shanks Road, Whitburn.

It all kicks off at 7.30pm where the band will perform a short programme, led by Michael Fowles culminating with the test piece by Thomas Doss.