*
banner

Farren double at Whitburn Awards

Flugel star Caroline Farren made it a personal 'double' as she wins two major Whitburn annual awards.

Whitburn
  Caroline and Douglas Couchman with their deserved awards

The Whitburn Band has presented its annual awards. The Scottish Open champion hosted the presentation event that saw flugel star Caroline Farren claim the double of 'Player of the Year' and 'Players' Player of the Year' accolades.

It is only the second time that a player has won both awards since their inception in 2013.

Presentations

Elsewhere, solo cornet player Douglas Couchman claimed the 'Bandsperson of the Year' award, while there three outstanding servants of the band were presented with deserved 'Long Service' awards.

Bb tuba player Alan Gourlay was recognised for his 30 years of service, while his Eb tuba colleague Graham Fraser marked 20 years of service. John Fraser was also honoured to mark his tenure as the longest serving Band Secretary in the history of Whitburn Band.

Youth awards

Awards were also presented to those from the other development bands in the Whitburn Band organisation.

Whitburn Heartlands euphonium player Scott Gilchrist claimed a 'double' himself with the 'Bandsperson of the Year' honours for both Heartlands and Whitburn Youth Band, while the Heartlands 'Players' Player of the Year' was cornet player Zoe Wilson.

It is only the second time that a player has won both awards since their inception in 20134BR

Wee brilliance

Xander Kerr (Eb Bass) was presented with the award as 'Most Improved Player' in Whitburn Youth Band, with Tyler Clark (Tenor Horn)was named 'Player of the Year'.

Not to be outdone, all the members of the brilliant Whitburn Wee Band were presented with certificates from conductor Charlie Farren, with six of the young players invited to move up to the Youth Band.

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    


iNSTRUMENTS

Trump tariffs set to raise instrument prices in USA

August 13 • A new tariff proposal on imports, parts and accessories on brass and wind musical instruments draws criticism about national security issues.


willebroek

Willebroek's sixth sense pays off with Band Academy

August 13 • Over 60 young players enjoyed six days of Belgian music making on their sixth Academy course.


Harper

Harper enjoys Cory reconnection in Japan

August 13 • Philip Harper has made a Cory link in Japan to help inspire musicians on the Ageo Band Camp in Saitama.


Bruce Broughton

BrookWright Music: 11 March 1917 (Bruce Broughton)

August 13 • A moving euphonium solo from the pen of the critically acclaimed American composer Bruce Broughton.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • OurCOMMU ITY BAND meets again on Monday 17th at 11am in our .bandroom.. Why not join us for a relaxed friendly rehearsal where all abilities are welcome.. There ‘s tea and cake and. It’s all free.. So join us this Monday..


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd