*
banner

Whitburn welcomes new duo

Cornet and horn signings welcomed by Whitburn as they look towards Autumn return to contest and concert stages.

Whitburn
  The wo new signings will have a busy Autumn season ahead.

Whitburn has welcomed two new players as the West Lothian band gears up for concert and contest performances in the coming months.

Signings

Andrew McMillan has joined on first horn, while Colin Bennie comes in on second cornet.

Andrew, 18, is the current principal horn of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. Starting with Campbeltown Brass he was Scottish Junior Solo Champion in 2015 and 2016, and Intermediate Champion in 2020.

As part of his prize, he performed a solo spot at the Scottish Brass Band Championships at the Perth Concert Hall. He is soon to start his studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Meanwhile, Colin has enjoyed many years playing with Bon Accord Band, including performing with them at the European Championships in Linz, a tour to the Northern Isles and trips to Regensburg and Dublin.

He also performed as part of a concert at Balmoral to mark the Queen's birthday and was a member of the band that qualified for the now, 2021 Albert Hall National Championship.

Delighted

Whitburn Band Manager Charlie Farren told 4BR: "We're delighted that Andrew and Colin have joined us as we look forward to performing again in the coming months on the concert and contest stage."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd