Big Noise Raploch

Our pre-orchestra programme begins in the nursery where, through musical games, clapping and singing we introduce the children to ideas of rhythm and pitch, and to playing together. Big Noise is from the very beginning based on playing and learning together. The emphasis is always on the ensemble, so the children learn to cooperate and support each other.

The pre-orchestra programme continues when the children are in Primary One. They choose which instrument they would like to play and then make their own replica instruments to form a paper orchestra – an idea we took from our twin orchestra centre “Rinconada” in Venezuela. The children learn about the different parts of the instrument, and how to hold and bow it properly. So they have a head start by the time they are handed the real thing. Halfway through the year the children swap their paper instrument for a real one and form the Primary 1 string orchestra.

Children become full members of Big Noise as the Summer holidays start at the end of their Primary One year. They continue as they progress through the Primary school and our current oldest members are in Primary 7.  Big Noise will keep expanding with this generation as they grow through their teens.

Big Noise runs five mornings a week during holidays and three afternoons a week during school term.

Castleview

We use a variety of innovative and hi-tech methods to work with the children of Castleview School. Figurenotes, a music system using colours, makes it easier to read and compose music.  Computers linked to electronic beams and pressure pads allow children with mobility issues to play.

We aim to have Castleview children playing alongside pupils from the other Raploch schools, and we are delighted that a number are already playing in the Big Noise Orchestra.

The Noise

We have an adult group called The Noise. Lessons are open to anyone from the community but have been most popular with parents and grandparents of children who are already part of the programme. The Noise helps us strengthen our relationships with families, and gives its members an idea of just how much the children are achieving.

The Noise rehearse every Wednesday evening from 6.30 until 8 pm in Raploch Community Campus. Anyone living or working in Raploch is welcome and we have a variety of symphony orchestra instruments available to learn. It is a fun, relaxed relaxed environment, and no experience of reading music or playing an instrument is needed. Anyone interested in joining should contact Amanda on 07811 489436 or by e-mail: amanda.wilson@sistemascotland.org.uk

Take a Musician Home for Tea

During school holidays the children can book visits we call “Take a Musician Home for Tea.” In these musical house parties the children and teachers perform, often not just to the family but all the neighbours too.

A typical Big Noise child is with us for seven hours a week at after school club, up to 20 hours a week during holidays, attends up to six concerts a year, performs at six concerts a year, and has three “Take a Musician Home for Tea” visits.

When playing concerts the children can really show off the results of all their hard work.

The children work in a number of smaller orchestras that allow them to progress at an appropriate pace. Our top ensemble is called Rinconada after the Venezuelan centre we are twinned with. But we also make sure that everybody plays together regularly in one Big Noise orchestra. The important message is that everyone has a role to play, in the orchestra and in life.

A Full Symphony Orchestra

After two years Big Noise had established a strong core of string players in Raploch. It was now time to add woodwind, brass and percussion instruments to make a full symphony orchestra.

Big Noise is now well established in Raploch. New babies grow up hearing music all around them and it won’t be long before they are with us in nursery, making music throughout their  childhood and beyond.