Call for teachers to help Big Noise hit high notes

PRoject: Dundeebased group will begin working with children in autumn

The Big Noise orchestra is looking for five new string instructors, as the start date for the inspirational youth music project inches closer.

Upper and lower string music teachers are being sought for the Dundee-based group due to begin working with children in the autumn.

The Big Noise project is an initiative set up by Sistema, which hopes to create “permanent social change” in some of the most deprived areas and communities in Scotland.

Already a working success in Stirling, Glasgow and Aberdeen, the Big Noise orchestra will engage with pupils from Claypotts Castle and St Pius primary schools in the area and the council hopes pupils in primaries 1-3 will be involved.

Sistema is now searching for five qualified string instrument teachers, who will help guide the orchestra as it strives to develop its immersive music education and social development programme.

A spokesman said: “We are excited to be launching our fourth Big Noise centre in Douglas, Dundee, and this is this is an exciting opportunity to join the programme as a musician or teacher as we launch in the community.”

Clare Brennan, a trustee of Optimistic Sound – which is helping fund the programme – said it was wonderful to see the project start date draw nearer.

She said: “It’s so great, that after all this time and effort that everyone has put in bringing the Big Noise orchestra to Dundee, that we can now start to see a tangible object.

“The Big Noise orchestra won’t just benefit young people in the city, it will provide jobs for a number of talented music teachers in Dundee too.

“There is such a rich musical tapestry in Dundee, and a lot of talented teachers who will be able to help transform so many lives.”

Applicants need to be educated to a degree level or equivalent, and have a track record of working with varied groups of young people.

The closing date is Monday May 22, with the selection process being carried out by Tuesday June 13.

At the signing of the official partnership agreement between Sistema Scotland, Optimistic Sound and Dundee City Council last year are Ryan Mackenzie, Bella Riddell, Rhylee Traynor and Caitlyn Bertie with Nicola Killean.