Sistema Scotland is making a Big Noise bringing music to children

IT started in a car park in Venezuela with just a dozen curious kids but is now changing the lives of countless Scots.

As El Sistema celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary, the organisation has spread its wings again.

The latest Big Noise Orchestra will be launched at a concert in Aberdeen tomorrow, following its success in the Raploch area of Stirling and Govanhill in Glasgow.

Raploch started in 2008 by Sistema Scotland now has almost 500 kids learning the joys of music.

They are given an instrument at the age of six and get the opportunity to learn it to the highest standard and be part of an orchestra which has won acclaim around the world. The majority live within a mile of where they practise.

Remarkably, 17 have progressed to become members of the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.

Raploch is an area once known for poverty, but much of the poor housing stock has been bulldozed and replaced with smart new properties.

And the burgeoning fortunes of the orchestra have brought people together. Locals speak of a pride and a community spirit that has music at its beating heart.

“I’m Raploch born and bred and I’ve seen it through bad times and now good,” said Margaret Hutchison, 46.

“It’s great that people are now talking about us for the right reasons.

“I only wish there had been a Big Noise when I was growing up.

“I see people walking round happy and with smiles on their faces.”

Margaret’s daughter Simone, 13, is one of the shining success stories.

She started playing the trombone with the orchestra when she was just eight and has now just been accepted to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

“I could cry with pride when I hear her play and see how she’s done,” said Margaret.

“She used to be so shy and now she’ll talk and mix with anyone. Big Noise has helped make her the girl she is today.”

Like most teenagers Simone says orchestral music isn’t what she likes to listen to. Punk and rock is more her taste, but she still practises constantly.

She said: “I do every night after school and then a few hours at the weekend. This is what I want to do now and I’d love to play with the BBC Orchestra.”

Violinist Luke Barjoti, 15, is another who has seen his fortunes transformed and also has a place at the Royal Conservatoire. He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to work with Nicola Benedetti at the orchestra and I want to be like her. Big Noise is the best thing that’s ever happened to Raploch.”

Meanwhile, the Govanhill orchestra goes from strength to strength.

Since launching in 2013, it has blossomed and now works with more than 700 children.

Lyn Ewing, who is chair of the Community Development Trust, has witnessed the change since Big Noise set up in the area.

“There’s been a remarkable difference in the kids,” said ex-teacher Lyn.

“Their self-confidence and their co-operation has changed beyond all recognition.”

The economic impact of the social change can be huge.

An evaluation of Big Noise in Govanhill estimated the cost benefits of the project in the long term will run into tens of millions of pounds.

And the next step in the march across the country will come at tomorrow afternoon’s debut concert in Torry.

It’s a partnership between Sistema Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.

There will be a summer school running during the holidays for children who have just left primary two.

Those children will then be able to attend the after-school sessions typically enjoyed by the Raploch and Govanhill youngsters three or four nights a week.

Younger kids will then get the chance to pick up an instrument and there will even be sessions for parents and babies.

“When we opened in Raploch we had hope but no certainty,” said George Anderson from Big Noise.

“This week, as we launch in Torry, we know for sure this works.

“We are now confident that this can improve the future prospects of children growing up in communities which have had difficult histories.

“Ultimately, these orchestras can make a better Scotland.”

Broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson is now a board member of Sistema Scotland and made the 5,000-mile journey to see how music still impacts in Venezuela.

“As a relatively new board member, I found it really valuable to visit some of El Sistema’s music centres earlier this year,” said Sally.

“Of course it’s a long way in every sense from Caracas to Aberdeen.

“But it was thrilling to find the work that inspired our own vision of generational social transformation still going strong after 40 years.”