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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

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