Michael Dodd
Michael began playing at the age of 11 for the Grimethorpe Junior Band. He subsequently fulfilled a lifetime ambition to be part of the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band after gaining experience with other renowned bands such as Carlton Main Frickley and Brighouse & Rastrick.
Michael currently works for the North Yorkshire Music Services as a peripatetic brass teacher, piano tutor and Wider Opportunities co-ordinator.
Michael studied for his degree and L.R.S.M in band mastership under the direction of Major Peter Parkes and David Hirst at Sheffield University, whilst been tutored on the euphonium by Billy Miller and Dr Nicholas Childs. His banding highlights are performing at concert halls throughout the world including Carnegie Hall in New York, Sydney Opera House and the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
Michael is the only euphonium player to have won Best Euphonium at the Brass in Concert competition in consecutive years and won the Best Soloist award at the 2006 event held at the Sage in Gateshead. In 2007 the Grimethorpe Colliery Band retained their title as National Champions of Great Briton and Michael was presented with the award for the Best Instrumentalist of the Championship. Most recently Michael was awarded Best Instrumentalist of the 2009 European Brass Band Championships held in Oostende Belgium.
In addition to his commitment to his teaching and to the Grimethorpe Band, Michael is a Buffet Crampon UK Clinician and a Besson Euphonium Performing Artist, and is very proud to be a part of both highly prestigious organizations. Michael performs exclusively on the Besson Prestige 2052 euphonium and uses a clear plexi glass mouthpiece by JK.