*
banner

Brucie bonus for Whitburn

The Scottish Open champion enjoys a high profile boost by reuniting with radio presenter Ken Bruce as well as getting a feature mention with Classic FM.

Whitburn
  The band has produced a number of popular social media productions

The virtual social media performances of Whitburn Band have been recognised by BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce and the Classic FM radio station.

The Scottish Open champion published six new performances over the festive season, as the West Lothian band continued to give popular online productions, produced by percussionist and 4BR 'Newcomer of the Year' nominee, Ryan Bradley.

A Christmas Festival

The band's performance of Leroy Anderson's 'A Christmas Festival' was shared by BBC Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce on Twitter, accompanied by him stating: "Here's something to lift your mood this week from the fabulous @whitburnband

I appeared with them on @BBCTwo Best of Brass many years ago! They've survived it well."

Nearly 40 years ago Ken Bruce introduced Whitburn's performances on the television contest programme conducted by Major Peter Parkes.

The band also received a high profile boost on January 2nd when Classic FM shared their performance of 'ABBA Goes Brass' by Alan Fernie on their Facebook page.

Nearly 40 years ago Ken Bruce introduced Whitburn's performances on the television contest programme conducted by Major Peter Parkes4BR

New audience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "That share has brought Whitburn to a new audience of fans, and attracted comments — and tens of thousands of views — from around the world."

Whitburn has published 39 virtual performances, interviews, solos and pieces from the archive since the start of the pandemic and will continue in 2021, starting off with their participation in the Cory Online Contest.

You can watch all of Whitburn's performances, including A Christmas Festival and ABBA Goes Brass, on the band's Facebook and YouTube pages.

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    


York Barbican

Wobplay video recordings to be made at York National Finals

September 8 • Full video recordings will be made of all the performances at the forthcoming York Barbican National Finals.


Sydney City

British Open Countdown: T minus 4

September 8 • Sydney City Brass is the latest Australian band to try an emulate their remarkable predecessors in winning the famous British Open Gold Shield.


Nationals

Churcher steps down from MD role at Camborne

September 8 • Dr Gareth Churcher has taken the decision to step down as Musical Director at Camborne


Milnrow

Milnrow to replace Tredegar at Brass in Concert

September 8 • Grand Shield champion takes place of Welsh contender at Brass in Concert.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd