*
banner

Gilchrist provides milestone moment for Whitburn

The long term strategy of developing playing talent from the very first notes is has paid off in brass for Whitburn with the signing of 19 year old Ross Gilchrist

oplayer
  Ross Gilchrist started out as a 9 year old in the Whitburn Band organisation

Whitburn's signing of talented young cornet player Ross Gilchrist is being hailed as a 'milestone moment' for the Scottish band.

First brass player

Ross in the first brass player to make his way up through the band's acclaimed Youth Development Pathway which began in 2013.

It was designed to secure a long term foundation of sustainable player development — from those blowing their very first notes to eventually performing at Elite level.

Progress through the Whitburn Wee Band, or Whitburn Youth Band is followed through Whitburn Heartlands Band, other local bands in the local area, and then, eventually to Whitburn Band.

Perc and now brass

Two talented percussionists have already made the journey, with Ryan Bradley and Amy Gray now enjoying fulfilling careers as professional musicians.

Ross, 19, started playing at school and joined Whitburn Youth Band on cornet aged 9.

He has since progressed through Whitburn Heartlands and West Lothian Schools Brass Band, serving as principal cornet in both. In 2023, he joined Bathgate Band on solo cornet and is now studying music the University of Glasgow. He has also been a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland for the past nine years.

This is a real milestone moment and its importance to the band should not be overlooked. It is a massive credit to Ross that he returns to us as a senior band memberWhitburn Band

Excited

Ross said: "I'm very excited to be part of Whitburn Band, and to be back in the organisation that I joined nearly 10 years ago."

Caroline Farren, MD of Whitburn's development bands, added: "We're delighted to welcome Ross back after keeping in close contact during his time at Bathgate Band.

He has grown in confidence during his time there and is an absolute asset to our cornet section."

Milestone

Whitburn Band Chairman, Charlie Farren added: "This is a real milestone moment and its importance to the band should not be overlooked. It is a massive credit to Ross that he returns to us as a senior band member.

We are delighted in welcoming him back and wish him every success."

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    


Besson Horizons

New Horizons Exchange links UK and Swiss youth again

June 6 • The Besson Horizon programme will once again see youngsters from the National Youth Bands of Great Britain and Switzerland enjoy reciprocal musical trips.


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


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


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd