The Whitburn Band organisation will mark the competitive launch of its new Heartlands Band at the forthcoming Scottish Championship, by hosting an open rehearsal at their brand new rehearsal facility prior to their appearance at Perth Concert Hall.

Hosts

The reigning Scottish champion will host their sibling band in the event on Thursday 6th March at the band hall, near the Murraysgate Industrial Estate in Whitburn (EH47 0LE) at 7.00pm.

Heartlands will give a performance of the Fourth Section set work, ‘Three Spanish Impressions’, led by conductor and Whitburn tuba player Robert Fraser, followed by their senior counterparts under Ian Porthouse, who will rehearse and perform ‘St. Magnus’.

Pathway

Band President David Kinross told 4BR: "We are delighted to be able to take the Heartlands Band from a conversation about youth pathway development to one that will take the stage at the Scottish Championships."

He added: "We will have nine young players at Perth from our Youth Band, all of whom will all sit in solo seats and be mentored by experienced players surrounding them.

All of the adults have been encouraged to take up playing again as part of this project, so we can see positives all round for our organisation and the band movement in Scotland."

We are delighted to be able to take the Heartlands Band from a conversation about youth pathway development to one that will take the stage at the Scottish ChampionshipsDave Kinross

Player signings

Meanwhile, Whitburn has strengthened their line-up in advance of their title defence with the arrival of back row cornet player Colin Gallagher from Co-operative Funeralcare, and Colin Buchanan, who returns in the second trombone chair.

Band Manager Charlie Farren added: "We have been working hard with Ian Porthouse and Anne Crookston to ensure we give ourselves the best possible chance of securing our third Scottish title in four years.

The two signings have strengthened us significantly and will help the challenge of playing four test-pieces in an eight-week period between March and May."