Raploch youth orchestra’s progress praised

A CHILDREN’S orchestra based in a formerly notorious Scottish housing estate has been praised for “transforming lives through music”, in a report released yesterday.

The Big Noise in Raploch childrens orchestra from Stirlings Raploch estate has been praised by school inspectors. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Raploch’s Big Noise children’s orchestra in Stirling has boosted the confidence, ambition and life chances of the children taking part, according to inspectors from Education Scotland.

They also praised the orchestra for high attendance and the “exceptional achievement” of many of its participants.

Big Noise Raploch was established in 2008, inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema movement, set up in 1975. The free music education system has benefited about a quarter of a million youngsters and seen almost 200 orchestras formed – including two in Scotland, with a third to be set up in the summer.

The first, Big Noise Raploch, which works with 470 children of all ages, is overseen by the charity Sistema Scotland and Stirling Council.

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