One of Scotland's rising conducting talents, Jim Chamberlain, has been appointed the new resident conductor at Whitburn Band.

Highly respected

For some years Jim was the highly respected flugel player with the former Scottish champion, winning an array of individual prizes, including 'Best Soloist' at the 2007 Scottish Open.

Conductor

As a conductor, Jim started his career with the South Milford Band in his native Yorkshire in 1998, as well as directing the Stanley Newmarket Youth Brass workshops near his home town of Wakefield.

After he moved to Scotland in 2000, he took up the MD position with Penicuik Silver as well as helping out other bands including Bo'ness & Carriden. He also led Lochgelly Band in Fife to the Lower Section National Finals in Harrogate.

We are delighted that Jim has decided to become our resident conductor. We are confident Jim’s excellent musicianship will help the band prepare for the challenges aheadWhitburn Band

Victories

Jim, who works as a brass instructor with Fife Council is currently the conductor of Dalkeith & Monktonhall and led the band to victory in the Scottish Championships Third Section in 2008 before winning the Scottish Challenge Cup later that year. The East Lothian band won the Second Section at this year’s championship.

Delighted

A Whitburn spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted that Jim has decided to become our resident conductor. We are confident Jim’s excellent musicianship will help the band prepare for the challenges ahead."

New signings

Meanwhile, the band has signed two new players.

Dave Kinross, a former soprano cornet player with Unison Kinneil and Broxburn and Livingston, has joined on third cornet, whilst Mark Good has joined on bass trombone. An-ex Campbeltown Brass member, Mark has played principal bass trombone with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.