Chris Shanks is Whitburn's Principal Euphonium player
Whitburn Band has named a new Principal Euphonium player and two players have joined the band ahead of its challenge at the British Open championships.
Chris Shanks has permanently moved up to the Principal Euphonium chair, as Leighton Griffin signs for Whitburn on Euphonium from Newtongrange. Meanwhile, Hannah McInnes joins the percussion team.
Chris - a Besson Euphonium artist - won the Best Euphonium prize at the Scottish Brass Band Championships for the last two years with Whitburn as the band won both contests.
He was also on the Principal Euphonium chair earlier this year when the band won the Grand Shield competition, and for the band’s performances at the European Championships in Malmo.
Everyone at Whitburn would like to thank Scott Kerr, the band’s previous Principal Euphonium, for all his efforts over the years and wish him well for the future.
Leighton Griffin
Leighton’s first engagement with Whitburn took place this summer in Germany, when the band performed to a sold-out crowd at the Sauerland-Herbst International Brass Festival.
He follows in the footsteps of his older brother Lloyd, who played with Whitburn on Solo Cornet and Repiano before continuing his career as a professional trumpet player in Denmark.
Hannah, a product of the Riverside Youth Band in Inverclyde, has already tasted success with Whitburn. She performed with the band at this year’s Scottish championships, where she was part of the team who won the Best Percussion prize.
Hannah McInnes
Hannah also performed with the band at both the European Championships and at the Grand Shield contest.
Charlie Farren, Whitburn Band Chairman, said: “Everyone would like to congratulate Chris, and we are delighted Leighton and Hannah have joined the band.
“We have really enjoyed preparing for the British Open, and are we are all looking forward to our performance under the baton of Luc Vertommen.”
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