Project to ‘transform’ lives of kids launched

DunDee school pupils are on course to hit the right note with the launch of the Big noise programme today.

More than 250 children, parents and community members were gathering for a concert to mark the start of the project, which aims to teach kids in Douglas to play an instrument and perform in an orchestra in a bid to improve their confidence and wellbeing.

In its first year, Big Noise will work with about 400 pre-school and P1-P3 pupils from St Pius and Claypotts Castle primary schools, including a number of deaf pupils.

Sistema Scotland runs Big Noise Douglas i n partnership with Optimistic Sound and Dundee City Council.

Today’s launch at St Pius Primary included the unveiling of the new Big Noise Douglas branding, featuring some of Dundee’s best-loved comic characters from The Beano.

It also featured a concert with Big Noise Musicians, who introduced violin, viola, cello and double bass to children.

Richard Holloway, chairman of Sistema Scotland, said he was “thrilled” to introduce the fourth Big Noise community, following on from Glasgow, Stirling and Aberdeen.

Mr Holloway said: “It is wonderful to see the children’s eyes light up when the musicians come on stage.

“At Big Noise, we always start with t he stringed instruments. Today, the children were being introduced to the violin, viola, cello and double bass. I would like to thank the schools and the Douglas community, as well as all our partners and funders for their incredible support that has made Big Noise Douglas a reality.”

The late Michael Marra musician Michael Marra campaigned to bring Big Noise to Dundee, as he believed in the transformational power of music. His daughter Alice said the programme would “transform” the lives of children in Douglas. Speaking on behalf of Sistema Scotland, Alice said: “My late father was a great supporter of the work of Sistema Scotland. “He truly believed that music was a right for all and that it could transform lives. “It is a tribute to his memory that this inspirational programme will today start working to transform the lives of children here in Douglas.” Ourvoice PAGE 16

Nicola Killean, chief executive of Sistema Scotland, and Caitlyn Bertie, one of the kids taking part in Big Noise Douglas.