*
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    


Riverside

Line-ups for North of England Area confirmed

February 26 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and Cheltenham later in the year.


pODCAST

4BR Review — Episode 16

February 26 • Iwan and Chris looked forward to the 2026 Regional Championships — the issues, music and tips for victory, as well as provide their views on new CD releases, book, LPs, concerts and events to go to...


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


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


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


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


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd