*
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    


NABBA

America looks at benefits of a slimmer musical diet

June 9 • The North American Brass Band Championships are considering new timing considerations for own-choice test-pieces at National Championships.


James MacmIllan

Monarch honours MacMillan

June 9 • Composer Sir James Macmillan becomes a member of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle.


BrwookWright

BrookWright Music launches Solo Contest

June 9 • Leading music publisher launches bespoke solo competition for all brass instruments


Boax

Boax adds to Cory strength

June 9 • The Welsh champion continues to strengthen its ranks with the arrival of new solo baritone player Charlie Boax.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

June 9 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm under the baton of our MD Jim Henson, at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Crewe Brass

June 5 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Glossop Old Band

June 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd