Carol Harrower

Sistema Scotland

Sistema Scotland is a charity on a mission to create permanent social change in some of the most deprived communities in Scotland. We use participation in our Big Noise orchestra programmes to change lives by fostering confidence, discipline, teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children and young people taking part. This enables the children and young people to reach their full potential, leading successful and fulfilled lives. This philosophy has a knock on effect for their families and the wider community in general. Our teams provide an intensive orchestral programme for school-age children and young people. We use a variety of immersive music teaching methods delivered during school time, after school and during the school holidays. We also provide opportunities for growth such as trips and residentials. Regular performances help to keep the wider community as involved as possible. There is no charge for the tuition, instruments, healthy snacks, trips and t-shirts. Altogether there are over 3,200 children and young people engaging regularly with the 6 established Sistema Scotland Big Noise programmes. In addition to the Big Noise orchestras attended by children up to 11 hours each week, we run Baby Noise and Adult Noise programmes which enable the Sistema Scotland family to reach as many as possible in the communities where we are based.