Our team of more than 40 dedicated volunteers of all ages play a valuable role in supporting staff and participants across our Big Noise locations. From assisting with day-to-day operations and events, to helping participants keep engaged during lessons, the contribution of our volunteers is making a huge difference to our communities every week.
As well as supporting participants and staff, for many volunteers, the role can be incredibly rewarding and can help them gain vital experience and confidence.
This Volunteers' Week, three of our volunteers have spoken about their volunteering journey with Big Noise.
Tamsyn, aged 19, is a Forensic Psychology student, who has been volunteering at Big Noise Douglas for the past year and a half:
“I’m very drawn to helping people. I like being able to give up my time and using that to help others.
“I like the confidence that it’s given me, and the compassion that you feel doing things, and that alone is enough. Personally, it’s really helped grow my confidence and that has helped me with my job outside volunteering.
“I’m not very musically inclined, so rather than helping out with music lessons, I usually help out with the behavioural and emotional side of things. If one of our young people is needing a break during a session or need a chat, I’m there to be someone they can chat to, and hopefully I can help them re-engage.
“I definitely think my experiences with Big Noise have helped me in my degree. I think anyone doing anything similar to that – social work, psychology – would really benefit from volunteering at a place like this. I know I do!
“Having been at Big Noise for quite a while now, the most rewarding part about the whole thing has been seeing the young people grow, not just in their musical abilities, but growing into their personalities and seeing their confidence blossom."
Michael, who is 76, has been volunteering with Big Noise Torry for the past 10 years, since the day the programme first opened its doors:
“I started volunteering at Big Noise in June 2015, when Torry was first selected as a new Big Noise area. The programme is totally different from what it was back then.
“To see some of the same young people coming all the way through Big Noise from ten years ago, when they would have been children practicing on cardboard instruments, to now performing in a full orchestra as adults – it has been absolutely fantastic.
“It’s been amazing to see how Big Noise has grown, and how Torry as a community has embraced it being in the local area.
“I enjoy mirroring the musicians in the lessons and getting as involved as I can. I didn’t really play much music when I joined Big Noise Torry 10 years ago, but being here has given me the opportunity to pick the violin back up, and try to improve my skills.
“I've volunteered for a while with other programmes and projects over the years, and I really enjoy being able to give a bit of my time up. It’s not particularly onerous – so I love being here for my one afternoon a week and working with the young people.”
Damian Sherwood-Johnson, Sistema Scotland’s volunteer support coordinator, said:
“Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the incredible contribution of our wonderful volunteers. We love having them as part of the team and their involvement is crucial to our success. A massive thank you for all that they do. They are simply the best!”
As we mark Volunteer's Week 2025 and celebrate the work of our magnificent volunteers, including Michael, Tamsyn, and Logan - on behalf of everyone at Big Noise, we would like to give our heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer who has given up their time to support the children, young people, and communities of Big Noise.
Click the button below to find out more about becoming a Big Noise volunteer.
