Biography
Andrew McMillan, tenor horn player with Whitburn Band, is the first to graduate with a BMus in tenor horn from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, with a First Class Honours. A recent soloist in the Kelli production by Martin Green, he also works as a conductor and teacher, inspiring young brass musicians
At just 22 years old, Andrew McMillan has already established himself as one of Scotland’s most promising young brass musicians. Beginning his musical journey at the age of nine with Campbeltown Brass, Andrew quickly developed a love for the tenor horn that has shaped both his career and passion for music. His early years in Campbeltown provided the foundations of his playing, nurturing the commitment and drive that would later see him perform and study at the highest level.
At 17, Andrew joined the renowned Whitburn Band on first horn. Within a year, his ability and musical maturity saw him progress to the solo horn seat, a position he continues to hold. Among his standout performances with Whitburn, one of the most memorable was the band’s performance of World Rejoicing at the Grand Shield in 2023.
Andrew began his formal studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in 2021, initially under the guidance of the late Nigel Boddice. His time at RCS was profoundly shaped by mentors including Arfon Owen, who became one if his biggest inspirations, and Mark Reynolds, who played a significant role in his development. During his studies, Andrew gave several memorable performances, including Stardust in his first year at the Mike Lovatt concert and his final fourth-year recital, where he was accompanied by the Whitburn Band.
His academic journey also allowed him to explore the role of the tenor horn beyond its traditional brass band setting, drawing comparisons to the French horn and examining its potential in classical contexts. After four years of dedication, he graduated as the first student to complete a BMus on tenor horn from the RCS, achieving First Class Honour and the Blair Prize for Excellence in Brass music.
In addition to his work with Whitburn, Andrew has recently gained recognition as a soloist through his involvement in the National Theatre of Scotland’s groundbreaking Keli production. Featuring as a soloist alongside the actors, he played a central role in reimagining the tenor horn for a new audience, taking it beyond its usual brass band context. This innovative project demonstrated the instrument’s versatility, capturing the attention of those who may never have experienced it before. The production’s finale featured collaborations with both Kingdom Brass and Whitburn Band, further emphasising the scope of the project and Andrew’s place at its heart.
Alongside performing, Andrew has established himself as a conductor and teacher. For the past three years, he has had the privilege of conducting Campbeltown Brass, as well as supporting other ensembles across Scotland. He has now embarked on a new chapter as conductor of Bo’ness and Carriden Band, a challenge he embraces with enthusiasm. Teaching is another area close to his heart; over the past six years, he has had the opportunity of working one to one with young brass musicians from across Scotland. Inspiring the next generation is something Andrew feels deeply passionate about, and he intends to continue developing this aspect of his career as he begins postgraduate studies at RCS in education.
With a strong foundation of performance, teaching, and conducting, Andrew McMillan is a musician committed not only to his own artistry but also to the growth and future of brass music in Scotland.
