*
banner

Whitburn honours excellence

Tenor horn star Andrew McMillan leads the prize winners at the Whitburn Band annual awards night.

wHITBURN band
  Band Manager Charlie Farren congratulated Andrew on his awards

The Whitburn Band has hosted its annual awards. The organisation, which encompasses its Scottish Champion senior band, Whitburn Heartlands, Whitburn Youth and Whitburn Wee Bands made the presentations at a special evening.

Horn double

The Senior band's Blue Riband 'Player of the Year' accolade went to rising horn star Andrew McMillan (above), who made it a double by also being named 'Players' Player of the Year'.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student enjoyed a memorable first year in the solo horn role, producing outstanding contributions to major contest performances as well as on the concert stage.

The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland player also rounded off the year by being names in the '4BR Band of the Year'.

Robert Fraser, meanwhile, was named 'Bandsperson of the Year' for the third time. He was recognised for his excellence as a performer as well as being an invaluable librarian and archivist — the latter seeing him help curate an exhibition about the band at the town's Community Museum.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student enjoyed a memorable first year in the solo horn role, producing outstanding contributions to major contest performances as well as on the concert stage4BR

Youth awards

The organisation's Heartlands, Youth and Wee Band also recognised their members at the annual awards.

Tenor horn player Tyler Clark was named 'Players' Player of the Year' for Heartlands, while Anne Kelly on flugel was named 'Bandsperson of the Year'.

In Whitburn Youth Band, awards were presented to cornet player Ross Gilchrist ('Player of the Year'), Amber Gourlay on flugel ('Bandsperson') and trombonist Roxy Clark ('Most Improved Player').

The achievements of Whitburn Wee Band members were also recognised. Georgia, Erin, Eilidh, Logan, Dylan and Nathaniel — who were all in attendance, received a certificate, whilst all other members will also be presented with certificates at a later date.

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    


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

September 5 • Kirsty Abbotts is the new flugel horn player at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

September 5 • 10 bands taking part this year have lifted the famous British Open Gold Shield in triumph...


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

September 5 • Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

September 5 • Cory Band baritone player Charlie Boax has joined the Brass Band Players Registry as their new Office Administrator.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd