Double top honours for Whitburn percussionist

Percussionist Chris Yule took the top honours in Whitburn Band’s annual awards.

He was named the 2024 Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year after leading his section throughout the past year with success, including picking up the Best Percussion prize with his team at the Scottish Championships for the third consecutive year.

It is the second time Chris has been named Player of the Year, and the first time he has won the Players’ Player trophy. He becomes the fourth person in Whitburn’s history to have won both awards in the same year. 

Leighton Griffin was named Bandsperson of the Year for his overall contribution to Whitburn, including his performances in the euphonium section. 

Chris Shanks was awarded a special prize to mark ten years with the band, serving in the euphonium section, including a spell on principal. He is a two-time winner of the Best Euphonium award at the Scottish Championships and, in 2024, took on a new role as Whitburn’s associate conductor. 

Whitburn’s development bands also awarded their players for their contributions in 2024. They were:

Whitburn Youth Band 

Most Improved Player - Corey Glen

Bandsperson - Carter Burchill

Player of the Year - Roxy Clark 

Whitburn Heartlands 

Players’ Player - Ann Kelly

Bandsperson - Barbara Poynter