John Todd, one of the Assistant Tutors in the Kingdom Brass Youth Initiative, began playing cornet at the age of 9 in his local primary school.

After less than a year John joined Cowdenbeath band on 3rd cornet, moving up through the ranks to eventually take a seat on the front row.

His playing career has seen many highlights and countless contest wins. He's been part of the winning performance at the Scottish Championships (in the Second, First and Championship Sections), Forth Valley, Land O' Burns, Carnegie Invitation, Northern Counties, Fife Charities, Fife Brass Band Festival, Miners Gala, Strathclyde Charities and Brass In The Park Contests, as well as the Senior Trophy and Grand Shield.

Playing in the band has allowed John to perform all over the UK, including performances in the Royal Albert Hall, as well as across Europe, with appearances in France, Germany and Switzerland.

Behind the scenes, John is the Secretary of Kingdom Brass, and Treasurer with the Youth Initiative. He is also a member of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) Executive Committee.

John hopes the Youth Initiative can give young players those same opportunities to appear in superb venues and enjoy their music making to the full, never knowing what's round the next corner.