*
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    


wobplayeuros

Get ready to enjoy the European experience with Wobplay

April 22 • There will be day after day of fantastic coverage from the 2026 European Championships thanks to World of Brass and wobplay. So why not just sign up, relax and enjoy...


Adams

Adams link with Percussi Aeris duo

April 22 • Scottish duo Paula O'Malley and Chris Flynn have become Adams artists as company strengthens links to banding world.


BBE Brass Band Week

Brass Band Week and Proms in Playground campaigns launched

April 22 • There are fantastic opportunities to reach out to new audiences as part of Brass Band England's Summer initiatives.


Livestream

Spring Festival and Open streaming details confirmed

April 22 • You can now sign up ahead of the 104th British Open Spring Festival to ensure you don't miss a single note of the action.


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


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd