26/06/2008
El Sistema is music to the ears
Published by BBC News By Jo Perry
Central reporter, BBC Scotland news website 

When a group of young musicians from Raploch take to the stage on Friday for their first performance, there will be many in the audience hoping a time of dramatic change and improved opportunity has finally arrived.

The 50 young violin, viola and cello players who attend schools in the new Raploch Community Campus are part of El Sistema, or The System, which looks to transform the lives of deprived youngsters through music.

First piloted in the barrios of Venezuela more than 30 years ago, the project aims to create not just an orchestra but enduring generational change.

Residents in Raploch have long fought to alter its image as an area associated with high crime rates and unemployment.

The lives of locals were featured in the BBC production Raploch Stories in 2003.

Although its reputation is for many unfair and sensationalist, the area's primary school children are the first in the UK to be offered the chance to take part in El Sistema.

'Both hands'

Funded by the Scottish Arts Council and private donors, the project, called The Big Noise, provides young children with tuition and instruments free of charge to create an orchestra of world class musicians.

The emphasis of the scheme is on group learning rather than a child practicing alone, while music tutors are specially chosen for their charisma and enthusiasm.

At present the scheme involves children up to the age of eight practicing three hours a week.

Following the summer holidays, lessons will be incorporated into the school curriculum.

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7468964.stm

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