Across the three of our Big Noise centres with the oldest participants, 16 young people graduated from Big Noise at the end of the summer; all of which have gone on to positive post-school destinations.
School leavers from Big Noise Raploch, Govanhill, and Torry have spoken about how their experiences at Big Noise have helped them achieve their career goals and have helped them on their paths to college, university, work, or training.
The success of this year's school leavers builds on a 2022 study conducted by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health which found that 98 per cent of Big Noise participants achieved a positive post-school destination.
Chi attended Big Noise Torry and credited it for helping her gain her dream place at university for her planned career in international law.
Having attended four days a week after moving to Scotland in 2022, she is now studying social sciences with criminology at the city’s North East Scotland College, and has been accepted to Edinburgh and St Andrews universities.
Chi said: “Music shows your dedication and passion for something that you’ve taken time to learn. When applying for jobs or applying for university, people look at how dedicated you are.
“Having learned two or three instruments shows that this person is the right person to choose.
“School-wise my career doesn’t align with my love of music, but going to Big Noise was a way to have fun, meet other people, and to help the community.
“In the orchestra you come together as a group of people, and that is really nice.”
Benny Walsh joined Big Noise Govanhill in P3 and attended two days a week while at school. He has said Big Noise had been a huge boost to his confidence, and that being encouraged to play loudly and not worry about making mistakes helped him become more confident.
Now 17, he is heading to Strathclyde University to study architecture.
Benny said: “Learning an instrument you have to be disciplined, and it takes a lot of time to be good at it. That definitely fed into my schoolwork.
“My goal was always to do well in exams, but learning discipline from the violin, I knew I needed to put the time in to make sure I’d got things right. I made sure I put in that little bit of extra effort.
“The social aspect of Big Noise was really big for me. It really helped my confidence and changed how I socialise with people.
“Before I joined I used to be quite timid and quiet, but I came out of my shell more in high school. That definitely changed a lot because of attending Big Noise.”
Dominika Nowak recently started studying Business and Social Science at City of Glasgow College, having graduated from Big Noise Raploch in the summer.
She said: “I used to really lack confidence. When I was little, I was shy and I wasn’t able to make many friends, but Big Noise changed that. If I hadn’t gone, I’m sure I’d still be struggling with my confidence.
“Big Noise really makes sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. I made friends there and got to learn a variety of instruments. I really loved it.
“When I was little, I would go once or twice a week, but when I got older I was there every day my orchestra got given the chance.
Vicky Williams, Sistema Scotland chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled our school leavers are going on to do great things, and the skills and experiences they have gained at Big Noise are helping them to achieve their dreams.
“Our mission at Big Noise is to empower communities and young people to fulfil their potential and support them in their achievements, hopes and aspirations.
“We know that the transition from school to further study or work can be a difficult time, and we are here for all our young people as they take the next steps on their paths.
“We are privileged to play a part in the lives of the young musicians we work with, and it is always inspiring when we see them forge ahead as young adults.”
