*
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    


appg

Brass bands regain Parliamentary voice

June 27 • The setting up of a new All Party Parliamentary Group for Brass Banding gives brass bands a specific voice of support in Westminster.


Alan Duguid

Interview with Alan Duguid

June 26 • 4BR talks to conductor Alan Duguid about the inspirations behind his band's latest contemporary concert featuring works by Malcolm Arnold, David Bedford, Judith Bingham, Freddie Myers, Richard Rodney Bennett, Edmund Rubbra and Raymond Yiu.


Alan Jenkins

Alan Jenkins funeral details announced

June 25 • The funeral details for the highly respected musician and journalist Alan Jenkins have been announced.


Gray and Waespi

Gray and Waespi to lead joint masterclass approach in Bern

June 25 • A four-day conducting and composing masterclass led by Russell Gray and Oliver Waespi will take place in Bern later this year.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd