Around 200 children delighted audiences at this year’s Big Noise Govanhill Christmas concerts. Those attending the concerts were treated to musical renditions of festive favourites, as well as being given a sneak preview of a BBC Big Noise animation, created by children of Govanhill
The Christmas concerts, held in Elim Church, Govanhill, on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th of December included musical performances from the most advanced orchestral groups through to the newest ensembles of the Big Noise programme. The Big Noise Adult Orchestra were also joined on stage by parents from Baby Noise, it was very much a community celebration.
Pupils from St Bride's, Holy Cross, Annette Street and Cuthbertson Primary Schools, Holyrood Secondary School and Shawlands Academy, were among those who wowed the audiences.
As well as live performances, the concerts included a special preview of a BBC film created by the BBC L.A.B outreach project and children from Govanhill. The project aims to develop digital media literacy within Scotland and has been working with pupils from Cuthbertson Primary School to assist in creating a short film about the Big Noise programme. An exciting first teaser of the film was screened at the concerts for family, friends and community members before the full film is made available on the BBC L.A.B website.
Pictures: The Children of Big Noise Govanhill get into the Festive Spirit at Christmas Concerts with
Glasgow's Lord Provost, Eva Bolander
Ali Gornall, Team Leader at Govanhill, said: "It's been an incredible year, with the children of Big Noise Govanhill performing at the Scottish Parliament, taking part in the Super Strings Sessions with our 'Big Sister' Nicola Benedetti, and playing at Glasgow Festival 2018. I'm so proud of all the hard work they have put in, and I am delighted they've been able to round off this year's celebrations with their family, friends and community at our Christmas concerts in Govanhill.
"From all of us here at Big Noise Govanhill and Sistema Scotland, I'd like to say a big thank you to every single one of our supporters. Each commitment of support enables us to ensure we can continue to deliver Big Noise to the wonderful children of Govanhill, and carry on transforming lives through music"
Glasgow's Lord Provost, Eva Bolander, said: "It's been great to join everyone at the fantastic Big Noise Christmas Concert. Our young people put so much effort into their performances. There's nothing more Christmassy than hearing children play music and sing. They and their families and friends, can take huge pride in the show.
Glasgow City Council is proud to support Big Noise Govanhill. A transformative music programme benefiting children and the wider community. This event celebrates its social contribution. My congratulations to everyone involved."
Big Noise Govanhill works with more than 1,200 children weekly from babies to S1, providing free, immersive, instrumental music tuition, as well as an orchestra programme, to pupils both in school and after school. The programme equips children with a wide range of social and life skills including confidence, resilience and aspiration.
Big Noise Govanhill is supported by a range of partners, including Glasgow City Council, Govanhill Housing Association, players of People's Postcode Lottery, Scottish Government, and the Big Lottery Fund.
Sistema Scotland, the charity which runs the Big Noise programmes, was launched in Raploch, Stirling in 2008 with thirty five children. Now more than 2,500 children take part in the programme every week at its centres in Raploch, Stirling; Govanhill, Glasgow; Torry, Aberdeen; and Douglas, Dundee.
Independent research by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has consistently found that Big Noise has a wide range of positive impacts on children's lives. These include engagement with education, developing life skills, securing emotional wellbeing, building social skills, encouraging healthy behaviours and offering respite and protection for some of Scotland's most vulnerable children.
