Name:
Jim Ferguson

Band Position:
2nd baritone

Playing Resume:
Born  Uphall – 1950
Jim joined Broxburn Band junior section at the age of ten.
Played Soprano in the Scottish Championship in 1964 at age 13 and at age 16 played on the front row in Broxburn Band’s only performance in the Royal Albert Hall. Moved into the Baritone/ Euphoniun section and quickly moved up the rank to Solo Euphonium in 1968. In 1972, in response to an advert in the British Bandsman for a Euphonium player, Jim moved to Timaru on the South Island of New Zealand.
After 3 years in NZ and one year in Australia Jim returned to Scotland and was determined to join Scotland’s top band at that time – Whitburn.

After hearing Whitburn Band’s winning performance at the Edinburgh Festival Contest Jim and his friend Dennis Slimmon approached the band and asked for an audition.
“The only position available to me was on baritone and I gave it a try, 30 years later I am still trying”
 That was in 1976 and apart from two short breaks for job advancements Jim has remained a fixture of the powerful ‘middle section’ of Whitburn Band.
Highs: Every performance is a privilege to play with such a good band, with so many fabulous musicians and to be trained by the best professional conductors in the land.

Lows: During a break from the band my friend Dennis (also on baritone) died suddenly age 38. I was asked by his wife and the band to take his place three days later at Edinburgh Festival Contest. On a highly emotional day Whitburn Band won the contest.

Personal Achievements: Scottish Solo Champion, East of Scotland Solo Champion, Northern Counties Solo Champion, a member of the Scottish Quartet Champions and a member of the first Scottish Ensemble Champions. Runner up in a father and child
Duet contest with my ten year old son (beaten by two clarinets)