Whitburn Band organisation award winners announced

Whitburn Band has handed out its awards for 2021, with flugelhorn soloist Caroline Farren picking up two prizes.

Caroline, who shone all year - particularly at the National Championships of Great Britain - won both the Player of the Year award, decided by the band’s management, and the Players’ Player of the Year award, voted for by the players of Whitburn.

Caroline’s double is only the second time one player has won both awards in the same year since their inception in 2013.

Solo cornet player Douglas Couchman was awarded the Bandsperson of the Year award, while there were three long-service medals handed out.

Alan Gourlay (Principal Bb Bass) was recognised for 30 years’ service with the band, while Graham Fraser (Principal Eb Bass) marked 20 years’ service. John Fraser, meanwhile, was recognised for his continuing tenure as Band Secretary, a post he has now held for longer than any other person in Whitburn’s history.

The development bands in the Whitburn Band organisation have also handed out their awards for 2021.

Whitburn Heartlands’ Euphonium player Scott Gilchrist won the awards for Bandsperson of the Year for both Heartlands and Whitburn Youth Band, while Heartlands Players’ Player of the Year was Zoe Wilson (Cornet).

Xander Kerr (Eb Bass) was given the award for Most Improved Player in Whitburn Youth Band, with Tyler Clark (Tenor Horn) named Player of the Year.

For Whitburn Wee Band, all members were presented with certificates from conductor Charlie Farren, with six of the young players invited to move up to the Youth Band.

Congratulations to everyone!