*
banner

Boax enjoys the spotlight of baritone, Burns and the ballot box...

One of Scottish banding's young stars has enjoyed notable success over the past few months.

Charlie Boax
  Charlie Boax has been busy playing and winning accolades this year

One of the rising stars of the Scottish brass band movement has certainly been busy over the last couple of months.

Charlie Boax is the talented young solo baritone player with Whitburn Band, as well as being an integral part of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

Solo playing

In the last few months though it has been her solo playing that has won plaudits as well as awards, becoming the Scottish Brass Band Association West of Scotland Solo Champion, as well as winning the national 'Young Burnsian of the Year' accolade and the Rotary Club of Great Britain title for a second time.

All this and she has just completed her Advanced Highers exams as she plans to go to Glasgow University to study immunology from September.

If that wasn't quite enough, she still had time to record a solo on Whitburn Band's latest CD release which comes out in a few months time and do her civic duty by being a volunteer on General Election Day duty.

So much confidence

"That's all done and dusted now," she told 4BR.

"Winning the solo awards has been great and has given me so much confidence as a player. The Young Burnsian Award saw me both play and sing, so that was a bit different and I'm really proud to have been able to successfully defend the Rotary award against performers from across the UK."

Managing to fit in everything she wants to do though isn't a problem.

Playing with Whitburn means so much — and I see it as a serious hobby. Being able to carry that on for the future is so important to meCharlie Boax

Busy schedule

"I'm good at squeezing things into a busy schedule," she adds. "I think I get that from my parents who are always on the go. Playing with Whitburn means so much — and I see it as a serious hobby. Being able to carry that on for the future is so important to me.

I would love to be able to do a solo CD in the future, but for now, it more hard work practicing for the British Open and National Finals as well as looking forward to the next National Youth Brass Band of Scotland course — although I may just have enough spare time to fit in a short holiday to Spain!"

Civic recognition

In the meantime, Charlie is just enjoying life and that extra bit of fame.

"I was proud to accept a civic recognition award recently with my friend and to find out that people knew about what I did. Helping out is very important to me, so as Polling Day was just after my 18th birthday, I was able to vote for the first time too!"

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd