Whitburn welcomes new signings  

The Whitburn Band has welcomed four new signings ahead of its defence of the Scottish Championship title in March. Charlie Boax and Emma Close made their debuts at the Scottish Open late last year, whilst Ailish Gracie and Reece Ward-Murray will make their first contest appearance in Perth. 

Charlie has been appointed solo baritone. The 16-year-old comes from Irvine & Dreghorn Band is the current solo baritone of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. Her arrival has enabled the experienced Evelyn Bradley, who has served for many years as solo euphonium and solo baritone to move to second baritone.

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student Emma joins on second trombone. The 18-year-old is a former member of Verwood Concert Brass, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Emma has also just been appointed Principal Trombone of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Emma replaces Robyn Anderson, a fellow student at the Royal Conservatoire, who leaves Whitburn to concentrate on her final year of studies.

Ailish also studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has joined on the solo cornet team. The 19-year-old started playing a decade ago with one of her career highlights to date including performing in China with Carnoustie High School's Band in 2018.

23-year-old Reece Ward-Murray will join the back row cornet team. Reece started playing at Peebles Burgh Silver Band before joining Newtongrange. He was part of the band that won the First Section Scottish Championship title in 2017 and has also performed with Kirkintilloch Band.

Speaking about the new arrivals, Band Manager Charlie Farren said, “We would like to welcome Charlie, Emma, Ailish and Reece as they join Whitburn at an exciting time ahead of the Scottish championships and our participation at the European Championships in Malmo. We also thank Robyn for her time with the band and wish her every success in the future, and Evelyn who continues to be a remarkable servant and performer with us.”

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