*
banner

Whitburn honours excellence

Tenor horn star Andrew McMillan leads the prize winners at the Whitburn Band annual awards night.

wHITBURN band
  Band Manager Charlie Farren congratulated Andrew on his awards

The Whitburn Band has hosted its annual awards. The organisation, which encompasses its Scottish Champion senior band, Whitburn Heartlands, Whitburn Youth and Whitburn Wee Bands made the presentations at a special evening.

Horn double

The Senior band's Blue Riband 'Player of the Year' accolade went to rising horn star Andrew McMillan (above), who made it a double by also being named 'Players' Player of the Year'.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student enjoyed a memorable first year in the solo horn role, producing outstanding contributions to major contest performances as well as on the concert stage.

The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland player also rounded off the year by being names in the '4BR Band of the Year'.

Robert Fraser, meanwhile, was named 'Bandsperson of the Year' for the third time. He was recognised for his excellence as a performer as well as being an invaluable librarian and archivist — the latter seeing him help curate an exhibition about the band at the town's Community Museum.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student enjoyed a memorable first year in the solo horn role, producing outstanding contributions to major contest performances as well as on the concert stage4BR

Youth awards

The organisation's Heartlands, Youth and Wee Band also recognised their members at the annual awards.

Tenor horn player Tyler Clark was named 'Players' Player of the Year' for Heartlands, while Anne Kelly on flugel was named 'Bandsperson of the Year'.

In Whitburn Youth Band, awards were presented to cornet player Ross Gilchrist ('Player of the Year'), Amber Gourlay on flugel ('Bandsperson') and trombonist Roxy Clark ('Most Improved Player').

The achievements of Whitburn Wee Band members were also recognised. Georgia, Erin, Eilidh, Logan, Dylan and Nathaniel — who were all in attendance, received a certificate, whilst all other members will also be presented with certificates at a later date.

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    


Symphony Hall

2028 European Championships to be held in Birmingham

April 24 • EBBA to run 50th anniversary event at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.


Linz

Report & Result: 10th European Solo Championship

April 24 • Young Swiss cornet star Simon Gabriel adds to his growing list of accolades as he becomes European Solo Champion in Linz.


Stevenage

Abusive and threatening behaviour sees ban

April 24 • The London & Southern Counties Regional Championships have acted to ban a band member after abusing and threatening behaviour towards a concert hall steward.


Fleetwood contest

Fleetwood live...

April 24 • If you can't get to Linz or Fleetwood this weekend you can still just sit back and enjoy the action from the comfort of your own home.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd