Whitburn
History
The current Scottish brass band champions and Grand Shield champions was formed in the heart of West Lothian in 1870 and originally served as an outlet for members of the mining community to perform at local parades.
Its first major contesting impact came in 1954 when it became the first Scottish band to secure a UK national title by winning the Third Section in London. Progression to the Championship Section followed and in 1968 Whitburn won its first Scottish Championship.
Following the appointment of Major Peter Parkes in 1978, Whitburn dominated the Scottish brass band scene and became a regular prizewinner at the major contests in the UK.
It made regular broadcasts and performed in many of the finest concert halls in Europe.
One of the greatest honours in Whitburn’s history was bestowed on the band in 2002 when it was invited to perform in London as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Whitburn Band has been the Champion Band of Scotland on 22 occasions.
Today, the band continues to make a significant contribution to cultural life in Scotland, performing regularly at major events including the Edinburgh International Festival, Celtic Connections and at Scotland’s international rugby games.
Principal Players
Principal cornet - Chris Bradley
Soprano - Scott Forrest
Flugelhorn - Caroline Farren
Horn - Andrew McMillan
Baritone - Charlie Boax
Euphonium - Chris Shanks
Trombone - Paul Kiernan
Eb Bass - Graham Fraser
Percussion - Chris Yule
