Attendees were treated to performances by Big Noise Raploch’s Rinconada Chamber Orchestra and Big Noise Fallin’s Chamber Brass Ensemble, as well as speeches by; Sistema Scotland’s Chief Executive, Vicky Williams, Benny Higgins, Sistema Scotland’s Chairman, and Symone Hutchison, a former participant at Big Noise Raploch who is now employed as a brass musician at Big Noise.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Big Noise programme is a brilliant example of how access to free music education for children can help to inspire creativity, provide opportunities, and build confidence. It was great to meet so many talented young people and see their fantastic performance.
“Eradicating child poverty is my highest priority in government, and ensuring equitable access to music education can have a tangible impact on reducing inequality.
“The Scottish Government is proud to support Sistema Scotland and the important work it does to transform lives through culture and creativity.”
Symone Hutchison, brass musician at Big Noise, said: “Big Noise has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine life without it.
“It opened all these opportunities for me. I grew up through the programme, and Big Noise is like a second family to me. I want other young people, and current or new staff, to have that magical feeling of being part of such an amazing community.
“If it wasn’t for Big Noise, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today. It has been the thing to form me as I am as a person: my whole career, the friendships and relationships I have built within and outside of Big Noise, and in other parts of my musical journey.”
