Whitburn Band has made something of a landmark signing, with the news that 15 year old Amy Gray has joined the Scottish Open Champion's percussion team.

Amy becomes the first player to make the journey through the band's successful youth development pathway — from the beginners Whitburn 'Wee Band', through the Whitburn Youth Band and Whitburn Heartlands Band to the senior Whitburn Band.

Surrounded by brass

Amy grew up surrounded by brass music. Her mum Heather is a music teacher who also plays percussion with Whitburn, while dad, Steven is a trumpet player and coordinator of instrumental music with West Lothian Council.

Amy initially took up trombone and joined Whitburn Youth before continuing to progress on percussion with the West Lothian Schools Brass Band and Bathgate Band.

Family tie

The signing is also an important moment for her family. Amy's uncle David McMillan was a very promising cornet player with Whitburn before his life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a car accident aged 19.

Amy made her debut with Whitburn at the recent European Championships, where she was joined on stage by Ryan Bradley (percussion) and Mark Elwis (cornet) (above) who are also making great progress after starting out with Whitburn Youth Band.

I'm very excited to have this opportunity and really looking forward to playing alongside such experienced and talented playersAmy Gray

Excited

She told 4BR: "I'm very excited to have this opportunity and really looking forward to playing alongside such experienced and talented players."

Mum, Heather added: "I'm delighted to have her with me in the band. It's a very exciting time for her and I'm very proud of what she has achieved so far. I better up my game!"