Exchange Communications Whitburn Band AWARDS
Exchange Communications Whitburn Band is pleased to announce its annual player awards for 2010 and the signing of two new players.
The Bandsperson and Player of the Year awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions made during the previous 12 months. Presented by the incumbent bandsperson of the year, Andy Robson, the award for outstanding commitment and dedication was given to ever present Bb Tuba star Alan Gourlay.
Previously treasurer, Alan stepped into an executive committee role during a period of internal reorganisation, allowing the band to fulfil commitments at the British Open and Nationals. Alan's dedication was also recognised as he achieved this while going through important exams at his work. Furthermore, special thanks were given to Mel Clark for her work during this period.
Principal Cornet player Chris Bradley was awarded the coveted Player of the Year award.
Including notable performances in the West Lothian Festival of Brass and the Land O'Burns contest, Chris' highlight came at the Scottish Championships where his performance of the fiendishly difficult English Heritage earned him the Terris Medal award for Best Cornet. Chris becomes the latest name on the trophy, following on from the band's solo horn player Iain Fleming.
Meanwhile, Ray Munday has joined the band on Assistant Principal Cornet. A graduate of Guildhall, Ray was the first recipient of the Bernard Brown award for trumpeters at the school of music in 1985.
Since then, he has freelanced in London and Scotland, playing with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Opera amongst others. In the 1990s, Ray also played with Whitburn and CWS Glasgow.
Richard Tobin has also joined the band on second cornet. Richard joins from Bo'ness and Carriden, where he was the soprano player. At last year's First Section National Championships in Harrogate, he won the Best Instrumentalist award and helped Bo'ness to a fourth place finish.
You will be able to see Alan, Chris, Ray and Richard in action when Whitburn perform in concert at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate on February 13. The theme for the concert, due to its timing, will be Romance, Love and Tragedy
