History made as Whitburn's horn section dominate Scottish Solo Championships

February 19

Exchange Communications Whitburn Band has been through a busy period of late with awards handed out, success in the Scottish Solos, some new signings along with its regular appearances at Murrayfield for the RBS 6 Nations championships.

Whitburn’s horn section created a little bit of history in recent weeks after all three players took the top three spots in the Besson Scottish Solo Championships.

Rachel Neil, the band’s 20-year-old second horn player, became the Scottish Solo Champion after a fantastic performance of Fantasy Brilliante. In second place was last year’s champion and solo horn player Iain Fleming, a four-time winner, while his son Michael - the East of Scotland solo champion and the band’s first horn - was third. Iain also won the Scottish Slow Melody Championships, while Rachel - last year’s winner - was second.

Rachel, a third year BEd. student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “I am really happy with the result and I am even happier that our section did so well at the championships. It is a fantastic result.”

It is thought the success of Whitburn’s horn section is the first time players from the same section of one band have taken the all the prizes at the Scottish solos.

Iain, 54, has now completed a clean sweep of Scottish solo titles. He added: “I am delighted to win the slow melody, having been runner up for the past two years. There is life in the old dog yet! I am also delighted for the results of Rachel and Michael.”

Rachel's achievement marks the sixth time a Whitburn player has won the title in the past ten years, joining Iain (2011), Chic Cullen (2009), Graham Fraser (2006 and 2007) and Katrina Marzella (2004).

It also comes soon after she picked up the award for Whitburn Band Player of the Year for 2011. Ray Munday, the band’s assistant principal cornet player, was named Bandsman of the Year by the band’s management team.

Ray, a graduate of Guildhall and former trumpet player with some of Scotland’s leading orchestras, joined Whitburn at the end of 2010. He made a fine contribution on the stage throughout 2011 supporting the band’s principal cornet player Chris Bradley, while his work for the band off the stage was recognised.

The band enjoyed performing at the recent RBS 6 Nations match between Scotland and England and will be on show again at the forthcoming match between Scotland and France.