*
banner

A golden generation of young players is being developed in Barnsley...

8 year old Oscar Paterson was an internet sensation when he gazed in wonder at Michael Dodd's gold euphonium — so now he's had the chance to give it a test drive too...

Michael Dodd
  The golden sound of a future star...

If you need to find the perfect picture to show you just how brilliant it is to enjoy playing a brass band instrument — then this is it...

Photographer Lorne Campbell recently captured the moment when 8 year old Oscar Paterson gazed in pure wonder as music teacher Michael Dodd showed off his Besson Prestige gold-lacquered euphonium to a classroom full of young players.

Local school

Mike was holding his weekly brass music lesson at Birkwood Primary School in, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, which is located just three miles from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band where he is solo euphonium.

The special limited edition gold-lacquered euphonium is one of the most sought after models in the world at present and is being played on by the likes of Michael and Steven Mead.

Viral sensation

The school's music co-ordinator Esther Sutton, who took the original photograph that soon went viral around the banding world, said: "It was the first time the children had seen the new euphonium and Oscar in particular was very excited.

He asked Mr Dodd if it was for real — and if it was as expensive as a Ferrari!"

Talented

Oscar (who plays the cornet, but couldn't resist having a go on the euphonium — above) has been learning to play brass for just eight weeks and has already been pinpointed as a talented musician.

"He practices hard and hopes to join our Birkwood brass ensemble very soon. Moments like this really do inspire our pupils to aim high", Ms Sutton said.

He asked Mr Dodd if it was for real — and if it was as expensive as a Ferrari!music co-ordinator Esther Sutton

50 plus children

The school hosts regular concerts by the Grimethorpe and pupils have performed with its musicians as part of strong links with the band. More than 50 children at the school are currently learning a brass instrument.

Pupils receive music lessons regardless of their social and economic circumstances and recently the school was featured on BBC's the One Show to highlight the importance of music education for all.

Image copyright: Lorne Campbell

To find out more about the limited edition Gold lacquered Besson Prestige euphonium contact Band Supplies on 0141 339 9400

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Banstand

Radio: Bandstand

April 8 • More brass band music to enjoy from Lucas Burns in Australia with one work about a dog and a bomb...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd