New associate conductor leads Whitburn ensemble at Edinburgh International Festival event

A Whitburn Band ensemble performed as part of an event at the Edinburgh International Festival yesterday.

The players entertained the crowds as they arrived to enjoy the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, perform Mahler’s Fifth Symphony at the city’s Usher Hall.

It is the third time Whitburn has been a part of the EIF in recent years. In 2018, the band performed as part of Lau Land at the Leith Theatre. The following year, the band joined with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, string group Quatuor Mona, tenor singer Gwilym Bowen and conductor Christopher Bell to perform Sir James MacMillan’s All the Hills and Vales Along at the Greyfriars Kirk.

Yesterday, the Whitburn ensemble was directed by Chris Shanks, principal euphonium player, who has just been appointed the band’s associated conductor.

Chris, a Besson euphonium artist, has already started in his new role as he helps to prepare the band for the forthcoming British Open championships at which Whitburn will be conducted by Michael Fowles.

Chris has experience of conducting many bands across the UK including working as the resident musical director with the EverReady Band, visiting musical director of the Lochgelly Band and a former resident conductor of Unison Kinneil and former MD of Langholm Town Band.

A product of the Salvation Army music scene, he started his playing career on tenor horn at the age of six before moving to euphonium eight years later.

He has been a member of Whitburn Band for ten years, having previously performed with Cooperative Funeralcare, Kirkintilloch, Barrhead Burgh and Kirkintilloch Kelvin bands respectively.

Chris won the best euphonium prize at the Scottish Brass Band Championships in 2022 and 2023, as Whitburn won both contests, and was also in the principal euphonium chair when the band won the Grand Shield last year.