*
banner

Shanks takes associate baton at Whitburn

British Open challengers appoint their solo euphonium Chris Shanks to the role as Associate Conductor.

Chris Shanks
  Chris Shanks has already started in his new role with the British Open o the horizon

British Open challengers Whitburn has announced the appointment of Chris Shanks as its new Associate Conductor.

The Besson artist and solo euphonium of the band has already been active in his new role in helping prepare the band ahead of their Symphony Hall challenge under the baton of Michael Fowles.

Experience

He has gained extensive experience as Resident Musical Director with EverReady Band, as well on a freelance basis with Lochgelly Band, and also with Unison Kinneil and Langholm Town Band.

The Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama graduate has been a member of Whitburn for the past decade gaining widespread acclaim and honours for his playing. He is also the Principal Euphonium of Bellshill Band of the Salvation Army as well as being the Divisional Youth Bandmaster.

Honoured

Speaking about his new role he said: "I feel honoured to take on this role and I'm excited to be given this new opportunity to work with such a fine group of musicians in what is a busy second half of the year."

Charlie Farren, Whitburn Band Chairman, added: "We are delighted that Chris has taken up the position of Associate Conductor, and we are now looking forward to working with him on a number of exciting projects."

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    


Moore and Vollam

Moore and Vollam lead BTS Award winners

October 7 • Peter Moore and Helen Vollam are leading award winners with the British Trombone Society.


Women Composer

Women Composers Brass Directory launched

October 7 • A new directory of women composers and their works has been launched by media content creator Liv Richardson.


BrassinCncert

Tickets approach sell out at Brass in Concert

October 7 • There are not many tickets left for the 48th Brass in Concert Championship — so be quick if you want to bag your seat in Gateshead.


BrookWright Manger

BrookWright Music: Young Artists Series — Away in a Manger (arr. Kenneth Downie)

October 7 • Christmas is coming and so is this perfect piece of festive music making for soloists.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd