*
banner

Whitburn invest in youth

18 year old baritone player Holly Bennett joins the Scottish Open champion.

Whitburn
  Holly is a three time Scottish solo champion

Whitburn Band has announced the signing of Holly Bennett, the current Scottish youth brass champion.

The 18 year old who is a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, joins on second baritone from Arbroath Instrumental Band.

Scottish champion

Holly has been the Scottish solo champion in three different age groups; winning the Under-12 title in 2014, followed by the Intermediate Section in 2017 and the Under-21 accolade earlier this year.

Band Chairman, Charlie Farren told 4BR: "We're delighted that Holly has agreed to join us. She is an exciting young player and we look forward to her performing with us as soon as we get back to rehearsals

Holly replaces Alan Douglas, who has been a great servant to the band both on and off the stage. We thank him for all his service to the organisation and wish him all the best for the future."

Special

In response Holly told 4BR: "Brass banding has always been a significant part of my life — with both as my grandfather and my mother being players. My memories of performing with them will always remain very special to me.

I feel privileged to be invited to join Whitburn. I'm excited and really looking forward to the challenge and developing with such fantastic musicians."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


lbrrt

Report & Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours at the Royal Albert Hall.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Thundersley Brass Band

Tuesday 6 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Alder Valley Brass

October 6 • Seeking a Bb Bass player to join our friendly ambitious second section band under the direction of new MD Oliver Halstead - Brooks. Featuring a good variety of concerts and contests. . We rehearse each Monday and Thursday 8pm to 10pm in Farnham Surrey


Kibworth Band

October 3 • Kibworth Band seeks a Musical Director to lead our rebuilding and drive musical progress. Based in South Leicestershire, we rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm. We compete in the Championship Section, moving to First Section from January 2027.


Epping Forest Band

October 2 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd