Musical opportunity

Raploch’s Big Noise orchestra is to open its doors to young musicians from across Stirling and Clackmannanshire this summer.

They are to hold a summer school offering children and young people the chance to learn and play together in orchestras led by Big Noise staff.

Nicola Killean, chief exeutive officer of the charity Sistema Scotland which runs Big Noise in partnership with Stirling Council, said: “The work we do in Raploch goes way beyond mainstream music education, and aims to bring about positive social change. It has to be targeted and concentrated on the community to be effective.

“But we are now looking to see how we can share our musical expertise more widely when time allows. I hope this summer school will be the first in a series of opportunities we can offer to young musicians from across a wider area.”

The Big Noise Stirling Summer School will run from Monday, July 20 to Thursday, July 24 in the Community Campus on Drip Road, Raploch.

Participants must live in the Stirling Council or Clackmannanshire Council areas. There is no charge to take part but places are limited. Applications should be received by June 15 and places will be on a first-come first-served basis.

There are two different sessions depending on what stage the participant is at in their music. Symphony Orchestra Summer School is for those who have been playing an orchestral instrument for more than three years. It will run from 1pm to 4.15pm daily. Intermediate Strings Summer School is for those who have been playing a stringed instrument for approximately two to three years. It will run from 10am to 12.30pm daily.

For further information on the Summer School including details on how to apply call 01786 445707 or check the Big Noise website at bignoise.org.uk