Whitburn welcomes new players ahead of British Open

Whitburn Band has welcomed two new players to its cornet ranks ahead of its challenge at the British Open Championships this weekend.

Alex Ramsay, one of Scotland's most respected cornet players, has joined as assistant principal cornet following a number of successful years with cooperation band.

Also joining the front row cornet section is rising star Callum Robb, principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and student at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Whitburn has also welcomed back two former players over the summer months.

Liam Orr has returned to the cornet section after completing his Masters in trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, while Amy Gray - who starts her second year at the Royal Northern this month - re-joins on percussion.

Whitburn Band chairman Charlie Farren said: “I’m delighted we have been able to strengthen the band for an important second half of the year and beyond.

“The band is buoyed by the new additions and looks forward with confidence, beginning with Birmingham this weekend.” 

As part of their preparations, Whitburn Band will hold an open-door rehearsal ahead of its British Open performance.

The band and conductor Florent Didier will be rehearsing the test piece, Dynasty by Peter Graham, at the Whitburn Band Hall on Wednesday September 4 from 7.30 pm.