*
banner

Whitburn duo to make Albert Hall debuts

Two new players will make their Albert Hall debuts this weekend with Whitburn Band

Whitburn
  Olivia and Emma will make their debuts this weekend at the Royal Albert Hall

Whitburn Band will head to London this weekend boosted by a brace of new signings ahead of their Royal Albert Hall challenge.

New arrivals

Olivia Beckett and Emma Dunn are the new arrivals, with 20-year-old cornet player Olivia joining from Annan Town Band, where her mum and dad still play and she was appointed principal cornet aged 14.

She competed with Annan at the Cheltenham National Finals and at the European Championships and was named 'Best Cornet Player' at the Borders Entertainment Contest last year.

Looking forward

Speaking about signing Olivia said: "I'm really looking forward to continuing my journey with Whitburn Band."

18-year-old percussionist Emma is a second year BEd Music student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Excited

She had a spell with Johnstone Band and is a regular performer with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and in the musical theatre scene. Emma added: "I'm delighted to be joining Whitburn and I am excited for what is to come."

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    


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


fUSION

Brass Fluxus — where brass banding meets avant-garde art

January 8 • Regent Brass joins an artistic fusion of Spike Jones, gags, games, Vaudeville, John Cage and Marcel Duchamp.


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd