*
banner

Brass is back at Birkwood!

Excited children around the country are returning to school — and pupils at Birkwood Primary School are thrilled more than most as they also get to play their brass instruments once again with friends.

Birkwood
  The pupils are back (this was taken pre-covid) and are loving it!

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

The children are back at Birkwood Primary School near Grimethorpe — so that means a welcome return of brass lessons with the Pied Piper of the Euphonium, Michael Dodd.

4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Michael and Music Coordinator Esther Sutton-Smith to find out how the first week has gone — and why they are simply delighted to be exhausted by the brilliant response from the children to playing brass band instruments once again with their friends.

Image: Lorne Campbell

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    


Wantage

Result: 2026 Welsh Open

February 23 • Wantage are in a winning frame of mind to claim the entertainment honours in Newport


British Open

Spring Festival tickets now on sale

February 23 • Tickets for the 104th British Open Spring Festival in Birmingham in May are now on sale — with discounts available.


Yazu

Black Dyke's RNCM concert now on Wobplay

February 23 • The Yorkshire champion's concert appearance at the recent RNCM International Brass Band Festival can now be enjoyed on the Wobplay media platform.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: The Colours Fly (Wendy Nevard)

February 23 • A super upbeat opener which will add plenty of musical colour to any concert.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd