Music charity Sistema Scotland looks forward helping hundreds of children this term at Big Noise Wester Hailes
Local MSP Simita Kumar made a visit to the charity’s Wester Hailes centre ahead of its work with local schools this term.
A music charity is looking forward to the year of helping hundreds of children ahead at its Wester Hailes centre.
Sistema Scotland opened its Big Noise centre in the neighbourhood four years ago but is looking forward to having more children than ever taking part in its programme of musical activities.
To kick off the year at Big Noise Wester Hailes, local MSP Simita Kumar and local councillor Fiona Glasgow made a visit to the site.
It came after children from the Wester Hailes site took to the stage at the Edinburgh International Festival last month alongside the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles.
Following her visit, Simita Kumar, MSP for Edinburgh South Western, said:“It was brilliant to meet the young musicians of Big Noise Wester Hailes and congratulate them on their exciting recent performance at the Edinburgh International Festival, and all of their musical achievements.
“I really enjoyed coming out to see and hear such talented local children playing their instruments, and to see the positive impact Big Noise is having here.”
The Wester Hailes site, which is the newest of Sistema Scotland’s locations, is planning to accommodate around 850 children from nursery age to primary 7 over this school year, with 200 young people also set to take part in the charity’s after school clubs.
Big Noise Wester Hailes works with local school including Canal View Primary School, Clovenstone Primary School, and Sighthill Primary School and Nursery to offer both in-class and after school instrumental music lessons, with holiday clubs also on offer.
Vicky Williams, chief executive of Sistema Scotland, said: “It was great to welcome Simita Kumar to Big Noise and to show her around the centre.
“The young people here have so many amazing stories to tell.“Some of the children have only been involved with Big Noise for a few years, and have already performed side-by-side with the RSNO, played events in the Scottish Parliament, and just a couple of weeks ago performed at the Edinburgh International Festival.
“We’re proud to share this news with local representatives and celebrate the hard work of all the young people, musicians, and staff here at Big Noise Wester Hailes.”