Scottish champions Whitburn will take part in an open rehearsal at the Regal Theatre, Bathgate, this Thursday (September 11th) where it will play the British Open test piece 'Rococo Variations' by Professor Edward Gregson.

Free

The event, conducted by Steven Mead, will start at 7.30pm and admission is free.

Trio of players

The open rehearsal comes as the band welcome three players to its ranks.

16-year-old Eoin Tonner enjoys a growing reputation in Scotland as a cornet player and conductor of the Dundee Instrumental (St Margaret’s Band). He recently performed as Assistant Principal Cornet on the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland’s landmark tour to Japan. He has joined Whitburn on the solo cornet bench.

John Cotton signed a few months ago for Whitburn on third cornet. John is an established musician in the Scottish brass band scene and joins from Clackmannan, the runner-up in this year’s Scottish First Section, where he played flugel.

Completing the trio is 18-year-old Calum Gardner, an up-and-coming percussionist who is a member of the West Lothian Schools Band and an ex-member of Unison Kinneil.

The fine run that Whitburn has experienced recently has put us in great shape for a serious challenge, and I would like to open the doors for our last rehearsal in Scotland before travelling southMD, Steven Mead

Confident

Recent victories at the Land O’ Burns and Brass in the Park contests have seen the band emerge from the summer break full of confidence, with Musical Director, Steven Mead, eagerly anticipating his conducting debut at the most prestigious contest in the brass band calendar.

Fine run

Steven Mead commented to 4BR: "The band has been working very hard for these championships and is looking forward to performing Edward Gregson’s thrilling new work.

"The fine run that Whitburn has experienced recently has put us in great shape for a serious challenge, and I would like to open the doors for our last rehearsal in Scotland before travelling south."