Sistema Scotland has announced it will be launching a major project in Wester Hailes – months after celebrations to mark 50 years of the creation of the first housing there.
A new “Big Noise” community orchestra will be gradually created under the project, which aims to reach more than 400 participants in its first year, and will eventually involve everyone from babies to school-leavers in Wester Hailes.
It targets “disadvantaged” parts of Scotland for intensive long-term programmes offering youngsters up to four after-school sessions of intervention and support a week during term time, and up to four days each week during the spring, summer and autumn holidays until they leave school.
Sistema Scotland says its classes and workshops are intended to help young people to reach their full potential through music, as well as strengthen each community it works in.
Programmes are also designed to help participants “develop confidence, teamwork, resilience, pride and aspiration as well as the capacity to work hard, supporting them to reach their potential and lead successful and fulfilled lives.”
It is currently working with around 2800 participants in four areas – Raploch, in Stirling where its first Big Noise Orchestra was launched in 2008, Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen and Douglas in Dundee.