Expansion is a Big Noise in youngsters’ orchestra
THERE is honking, screeching – and lots of laughing.
Around 1000 young children in Govanhill, one of the city’s most deprived areas, now take part in Big Noise – a scheme using music to enhance their life chances.
Launched in 2013, the music programme now has a new development which is making a difference for youngsters.
As well as a full complement of strings, Big Noise has added woodwind, brass and percussion to its repertoire.
This means Govanhill will soon have a full orchestra made of children from across the area.
Team leader Alison Gornall said: “Strings take a lot of dexterity whereas with percussion and woodwind there are much faster gains.
“So we have a few pupils coming back where strings weren’t for them but they are being given the chance to take part and have all the benefits of Big Noise with these new instruments.”
Big Noise Govanhill works with St Bride’s, Holy Cross, Annette Street and Cuthbertson primaries.
Children arrive in walking lines from their schools, are given a healthy snack and then get to work with an hour’s tuition.
Sessions take place either in Forsyth House on Coplaw Street or in Daisy Street Neighbourhood Centre and pupils are invited to come to three sessions a week.
As well as the after-school sessions, Big Noise teaches in both council nurseries as well as across all P1 and P2s in the four schools.
P5 and P6 pupils are taught twice-weekly and there are baby classes in Forsyth House.
Big Noise Govanhill has quickly become the largest Big Noise in Scotland with 1000 youngsters taking part.
This compares to 500 at the longest-established Big Noise at the Raploch in Stirling and 500 in Torry, Aberdeen.
Mario Milko, who attends Cuthbertson Primary School says one of his favourite things about the orchestra is meeting children from other schools.
The nine-year-old now has friends from St Bride’s Primary and Annette Street Primary – and he says he feels a bit sorry for classmates who don’t take part.
Mario said: “I chose playing the flute because all the instruments were heavy, or they looked heavy, and the flute looked light.
“But, also, in the movies when the songs play you can hear the flute over all the other instruments and it sounds very peaceful.”