May
Whitburn Youth Band has received funding from the Lottery Fund Awards for All, which will enable the group to buy more instruments, stands, music, a laptop and a printer to recruit new players in and around the Whitburn area. If you have a child in the area between the ages of 9-14 and would like to play an instrument then please call Laura on 07824701512 for more information.
The band has launched a new uniform tailor made by Elizabeth King. The band used them for the first time at a concert in St Josephs Church, Whitburn where the senior band invited the youth band along to play. The concert saw the debut performance of more new players as Sean Mckee, John Walker, Natalie Smith, Paul Lally and Jahrred McMahon took to the stage for the first time with the youth band.
Although there were are few regular faces missing on the night, the youth band was excellent playing Cheesy Feet Rock, Wallace and Gromit and Batman which featured the band’s horn section - Arran McMahon, Gillian Lally and Sean McKee.
The concert also saw Cameron McMahon perform Danny Boy, the solo he played at his recent contest win, accompanied by three members of the senior band. It was received greatly by all.
April
Whitburn Youth Band quickly moved on from March and started to practice for the Bill Shaw Memorial Slow Melody Solo contest in Lochgelly, Fife, which five of our players entered.
On the day there were twelve entrants in the section and all the band’s players qualified to compete for the junior cup.
Ten-year-old Cameron McMahon from Whitburn Youth Band took home the first junior cup with a fantastic performance of Danny Boy.
Adjudicator Andy Duncan said “what a terrific sound, a real performance”. Well done Cameron. Meanwhile, Susan Caruthers took a silver award, Gillian Lally, Holly McGoldrick and Arran McMahon all received bronze awards. Well done to you all.
This month also saw the youth band grow with the addition of a new tenor horn player, Sean McKee.
March
The band threw itself into March with another performance at Murrayfield at a Scottish Rugby Union International.
March also saw the band’s annual solo competition, held at the bowling club in Whitburn. The winner was Susan Caruthers with the fantastic piece, Softly Awakes My Heart from Samson and Delilah.
Second place went to last year’s winner, Kenneth Fair, who played I don’t know how to love him. Third place went to Cameron McMahon with the cornet solo The Young Virtuoso. All three players play cornet.
The competition was adjudicated by the fantastic Andy Robson (principal euphonium with the senior band) and he was impressed with the standard of playing by all the contestants.
Silver award went to Niamh Coupar. Gillian Lally, Holly McGoldrick Michael Stewart and Arran McMahon all received bronze awards.
All the youth band members who didn’t take part in the contest also received a great improvement medal.
February
February saw the enrolment of a new cornet player Holly and the first performance of the year for the youth band at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston.
The band performed Bob the Builder and Wallace and Gromit, conducted by Anne Crookston - Musical Director for the youth band.
This month also saw a performance for the front row cornet section of the youth band as they played at Murayfield stadium for the Six Nations Rugby internationals.
New Recruits
Whitburn Junior Band are always looking for new players and if you fancy coming along to see what it does or would like to join the band then please contact us on 07542 43109. The band practice on Sundays between 4pm and 5pm.
The youth band welcome non-players, although there is a waiting list at the moment. It also welcomes beginners and established players with an instrument.
New Year
The band started on a high note this year after returning back to practice on January 14. It already has a busy three months ahead.
Not only are the band practicing hard for the annual solo competition in March, it is preparing with the senior band to perform at the RBS Six Nations Rugby Internationals at Murrayfield.
Christmas Concert
The youth band played at the Festival of Brass in December at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate. All the children enjoyed the experience despite the weather. Well Done to all who took part and a big thank you to the senior band for letting the youth band be part of the event.
Congratulations!
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On Sunday, 22nd February, Whitburn Youth Band held their second annual Solo Competition in the Band Hall, Whitburn. This year’s adjudicator was conductor, arranger and examiner, Andrew Duncan. He was impressed by the high standard of playing on show and his supportive and encouraging comments will, no doubt, go a long way to help develop the young players skills further.
Ten-year-old cornet player Kenneth Fair was declared the winner with his delightful version of “Santa Lucia”. Runner-up, Susan Carruthers (11), gave a rousing performance of “British Grenadiers” on cornet. Both received a trophy and certificate for their efforts. Other competitors delighted the audience, too, with their performances and all received certificates of merit. Well done to everyone!
There were also performances from members of the Whitburn Band: Chris Bradley (Cornet) Alex Philip (Trombone) and Graham Fraser (Tuba) who provided a mini concert for all in attendance. In addition there was a raffle and a lucky programme draw that raised some much-needed funds.
The organizers would like to thank everyone who donated prizes, bought tickets and came along to support and encourage the children.
Special thanks go to Scott Walker, cornet player with Whitburn Band and Youth Band instructor, for organising the event.
If you have a child who is interested in joining Whitburn Youth Band, please contact Laura on 07824701512. Any child, of whatever ability, from the very beginner to the more experienced, is most welcome. The Youth Band meets on Sundays at 4.00pm in the Band Hall.