*
banner

Whitburn strengthen ranks ahead of Symphony Hall

The Scottish Open champion will head to the British Open boosted by new signings and some returning stars...

Signing
  New signings and returnees add to the Whitburn Band ranks ahead of the British Open

The Scottish Open champion Whitburn has welcomed a number of new signings to the ranks ahead of their British Open challenge at Symphony Hall this weekend.

Signings

The respected cornet player Alex Ramsay has joined from the cooperation band and will take up the assistant principal cornet role, whilst he is joined on the solo cornet bench by Callum Robb.

Callum is the principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and later this year takes up his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Two former players also return in the form of cornet player Liam Orr after completing his Masters in Trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, while Amy Gray, who starts her second year at the Royal Northern in September, rejoins on percussion.

I'm delighted we have been able to strengthen the band at such an important time of the contesting yearWhitburn Band Chairman, Charlie Farren

Delighted

Whitburn Band Chairman, Charlie Farren told 4BR: "I'm delighted we have been able to strengthen the band at such an important time of the contesting year.

The band is buoyed by the new additions and looks forward with confidence, beginning with Birmingham this weekend."

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd