Big Noise is delivered by the charity Sistema Scotland which runs six Big Noise programmes in Raploch & Fallin (Stirling), Govanhill (Glasgow), Torry (Aberdeen), Douglas (Dundee), and Wester Hailes (Edinburgh). We started with Big Noise Raploch in April 2008, with six musicians supporting 35 young schoolchildren. We now work with over 3,500 children and young people across five cities.
Big Noise uses the symphony orchestra as a community through which children gain an invaluable range of life skills and experiences. They develop confidence, teamwork, resilience, pride and aspiration as well as the capacity to work hard, supporting them to reach their potential and lead successful and fulfilled lives.
Big Noise is underpinned by its accessible and inclusive practice and is committed to breaking down barriers to creativity and widening access to music education.
As such, all instruments, activities, daily meals and snacks, are free of charge, and musician staff work hard to make sure all children and young people can participate and feel welcome and valued regardless of their needs or abilities.
The Big Noise programme is particularly focused on early years' intervention and long-term delivery. Each new Big Noise centre begins by working with children at nursery and in Primary 1 and 2, gradually building on core skills such as listening, concentration, rhythm and teamwork whilst learning to play an instrument in a group.
From Primary 3 and beyond, participants receive up to four intensive after school sessions of music tuition and support a week during term time; and up to four days each week during spring, summer, and autumn holidays until they leave school.
As our young people grow with Big Noise and progress through the programme, we support our oldest participants to achieve useful qualifications and work experience. They also help with the development of younger participants, becoming valuable role models.
Through our youth voice groups we provide additional opportunities for participants to learn about their rights as young people, gain leadership skills, and feed into decision-making about our programmes.
Big Noise alumni have gone on to achieve some incredible things over the years; whilst some have been inspired to pursue careers in music, many have found success on non-musical paths.
The Big Noise model has been subject to multiple independent research studies which look at the impact of the programme on the children and young people who participate.
From community orchestras, bands, and choirs, to performances, events, and trips; adult participants have the opportunity to explore their musical side and meet new people in a relaxed environment. We aim to benefit the whole community by improving integration, tackling social isolation, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable families.
We also encourage community members to get involved by becoming a Big Noise volunteer!
