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Sistema Scotland

Sistema Scotland is a charity on a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through music and nurturing relationships.

We do this through our transformational music education and social change programme, Big Noise, where the symphony orchestra becomes a community that supports children and young people to gain vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, team work, pride, creativity, and aspiration. We target and work in communities who have historically faced social and economic barriers to music education. Through Big Noise we aim to tackle long-term inequalities and strengthen community cohesion in some of Scotland's most disadvantaged areas.
Through music and nurturing relationships, from infancy to adulthood, Big Noise supports participants' wellbeing and helps them reach their full potential. We started with Big Noise Raploch in April 2008, with six musicians supporting thirty-five young schoolchildren. We now work with thousands of children and young people in six communities across five cities. 
ABOUT BIG NOISE
Big Noise United Orchestra

What is the difference between Sistema Scotland and Big Noise?

Sistema Scotland is the name of the national charity that runs the Big Noise programmes. We currently operate six Big Noise programmes across Scotland. 

The Sistema Scotland central team manages the charity's strategic plans and curriculum development, fundraising and finance, HR and operations, and communications and evaluation for all of our Big Noise programmes. 

MEET THE TEAM

Our Board


Sistema Scotland is governed by a board which meets at least quarterly and is responsible for the strategic direction of the charity. Our Chief Executive Officer reports to the board, and members come from a variety of backgrounds relevant to our work with a valuable mix of skills and experience.

MEET THE BOARD

How are we funded?


We are grateful to the funders and donors whose support enables thousands of children and young people to take part in our Big Noise programmes each week. We are supported by a range of public and private funders including the Scottish Government, local authority funds, trusts, foundations, businesses, individuals and legacies.

For more information, click below.

MORE ON FUNDING
Richard & Nicola with participants of Big Noise

Our Founder

 

Writer and broadcaster, Richard Holloway, founded Sistema Scotland in 2008 with an aim of using music as a tool to bring about positive social change to children in underprivileged areas of Scotland. Nicola Killean OBE was appointed as founding Chief Executive Officer and led the charity from initial establishment in Raploch, to a national organisation operating in six communities across the country.

After ten years as Chairman of Sistema Scotland, Richard retired from the board in 2018, and after fifteen years at the helm, Nicola left the organisation to become Scotland's Commissioner for Children & Young People in 2023.

Our Big Noise 'Big Sister'

 

World-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti has been a long-standing champion of the work of Big Noise, both as a former board member of Sistema Scotland and in her honorary role as our Big Noise 'Big Sister'.

Over the years Nicola has spent time with our Big Noise programmes across the country, providing inspirational masterclasses and mentorship for our young musicians. 

 

Nicola Benedetti with Big Noise participants
Anti-Racism Statement

Sistema Scotland is committed to being an actively anti-racist organisation. We understand that it is not sufficient to be non-racist, but instead will work actively and purposefully to identify, discuss and challenge racism and the impact it has on our organisation, our systems and our people. We commit to nurturing an environment which is welcoming to all, celebrates diversity and multi-culturalism and engages with all in a spirit of mutual respect.


Read our anti-racism action plan here.