 Local MSP Gil Paterson has revealed that he has been in touch with music charity Sistema Scotland, since October last year, in a bid to bring their Big Noise programme to Clydebank.
The Big Noise is an orchestral music programme that changes the lives of young people through music by fostering confidence, discipline, teamwork, pride and aspiration in those who take part enabling them to reach their full potential and lead successful and fulfilled lives. This philosophy has a knock on effect for families and wider community in general. Gil Paterson MSP told the post, “I have been in discussions which are fairly well developed with Sistema for nearly a year, including visiting The Big Noise in Raploch, Stirling, which has been what can only be described as an outstanding success over the last ten years. “My office has also had meetings with The Big Noise in Govanhill where the same work with children has been taking place for the last 5 years. Work which is also bearing abundant fruit. “I am delighted to say that a meeting with representatives of Sistema will take place this coming week to further develop and explore the possibility of the Big Noise establishing itself in Clydebank. A fairly high powered delegation from West Dunbartonshire Council will attend as will my office. "In these times of austerity projects like this bring music tuition within the grasp of those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. “It is safe to say that I am really pleased with the seriousness with which this has been taken, the truth is the benefits that the Big Noise programme can bring to children their families and the whole community are immense because the Big Noise Project has a lifelong positive impact and changes things for the better. “I know that is a very bold statement to make but the living proof to back this statement up is there for all to see.” Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, Jonathan McColl said: “I appreciate the work done by Gil Paterson so far and I’m looking forward to the meeting with Sistemsa in Stirling. It’ll be a good chance to get more detailed information on the implementation and running of the scheme. This project that has the potential to transform young peoples’ lives and I hope that with Gil’s help we will be able to take it forward in the not too distant future.” El Sistema was founded in Venezuela in 1975 by Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu to create a world renowned music project which they name the ‘Big Noise’. It first came to the Raploch in Stirling 10 years ago and Sistema Scotland recently celebrated its 10th birthday with a concert and reception in the Scottish Parliament. The project works with children from nursery to adulthood and works closely with local schools and community groups. While its most obvious achievement is musical, research has shown that learning to play an instrument equips children with a multitude of transferable skills as well as boosting educational performance, health and wellbeing which also impacts positively on the wider community Scotland now has four Big Noise projects which include the original one in the Raploch, Stirling. There are projects in Torry in Aberdeenshire, Govanhill in Glasgow and in Douglas in Dundee. Mr Paterson hopes that the next project to open will find a home in Clydebank. |
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