1960 - 2022

Paul Goodchild started his musical career at 6 years of age as a member of the Waverley Bondi Beach Band (now Bondi Brass) a group formed by his father, Cliff Goodchild, and often attributed his many musical successes to the comprehensive musical training he received in his early years in the brass band.

Paul’s prodigious talent saw him join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the age of 18, remaining an active member for 42 years, eventually being appointed Associate Principal Trumpet.

Paul’s incredible skills and versatility in all musical styles saw him tour extensively, becoming Principal Trumpet for many freelance orchestras including the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sydney Opera House Orchestra. He also was involved with many West End musicals, as well as commercial recordings of film scores such as Star Wars and Superman.

Paul was a great champion of Australian music and Australian musicians. Many of Australia’s finest composers recognised his unique talents and wrote works specifically for him. In 2005 he performed the world premiere of Allan Holley’s Doppler’s Web with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra led by Simone Young.

Paul was deeply committed to music education, both as a music director and as a private teacher. In one story Paul is reputed to have provided a student with his own trumpet so they could perform their HSC piece.

Paul was also a Board Director of the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival, founded by his father, Cliff, in 1962 and now the largest event of its kind in Australia, with over 350 ensembles and more than 11,000 students participating in 2019.

Paul is remembered as a larger than life personality, affable and friendly towards the many colleagues with whom he worked in all musical spheres.

Paul was a wine connoisseur, a fantastic cook, and a supporter of his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs. He was also known for his individual sense of dress style and striking combinations of patterns and colours.

Paul became ill with a rare aggressive form of cancer in 2019 and in 2022 passed away leaving his wife, Yvette, children Morley and Alana, and sister Louise.

Images courtesy the Goodchild Family.