*
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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd