*
banner

Farren to take top job at Whitburn

The respected bass trombone player Charlie Farren has become the new Chairman at Scottish Champion Whitburn.

Farren
  Charlie Farren becomes the new Chairman at Scottish Champion Whitburn

The respected bass trombonist Charlie Farren has become the new Chairman of Scottish Champion Whitburn.

He will take on the role with immediate effect and takes over from the long serving Dave Kinross, who over the last nine years was Chairman in what has been one of the most successful periods in Whitburn's history.

Success

Not only did that see considerable contest success, but it also saw the organisation set up its successful youth structure, which has already resulted on two players making the journey from beginners to the senior Scottish Champion band, whilst others have gone on to join other Scottish bands and even Black Dyke.

Dave told 4BR: "I have enjoyed the past nine years immensely and especially in witnessing the ongoing development of the entire organisation. I wish Charlie every success and will continue to support Whitburn in any way I can in the years ahead."

He's a hard act to follow, but along with new Vice-Chairman Alan Douglas and the other dedicated committee members we will be doing everything in our power to ensure that his legacy remains in placeCharile Farren

Thanks

Charlie, who is a busy peripatetic brass teacher in East Lothian is recognised as one of the leading bass trombone players in Scottish banding and has served as Band Manager at Whitburn in recent years.

He added: "Dave's immense contribution to Whitburn has been integral in transforming the organisation. I wish to thank him on behalf of the band for the dedication he has shown.

He's a hard act to follow, but along with new Vice-Chairman Alan Douglas and the other dedicated committee members we will be doing everything in our power to ensure that his legacy remains in place."

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    


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd