As part of my Sistema Fellowship in 2009-2010, I participated in a 5-week internship with Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise program in Raploch. Big Noise is an El Sistema-inspired program that uses the power of music and ensemble to help students become engaged and contributing members of their community. I learned how Raploch and the Scottish government worked together to provide at-risk children a social service program founded on intensive music-making as part of a child’s elementary school day. Big Noise provides in-school programming for pre-school, elementary, and special needs students. Each center offers programming from birth to adulthood. Their after-school programs involves elementary, secondary and parent/community members and runs deep in the life of the four communities it serves throughout Scotland: Raploch, Govanhill, Douglas and Torry. In 2009 Big Noise was in its infancy and the only site operating at the time. Ten years later as a Fulbright recipient, I have been able to visit all four Big Noise sites and experience first hand how a program that inspired Juneau Alaska Music Matters (JAMM) has since built capacity in four communities, expanded programming, and further honed its teaching practices to provide all children high quality experiences in music ensemble.
I learned many lessons from my visits to Big Noise, including a youth leadership program, jazz improvisation class, adult choir and a community orchestra. Big Noise has also contributed a host of research to the field of music education and its impact on child academic and social-emotional development. I will highlight the "Orchestra del Mondo" - Govanhill Community Orchestra under the direction of charismatic Juliana Radke de Silva because is is an example of how music-making brings diverse community members and families of Big Noise children together - many of whom are new to the community and/or country - and creates a sense of belonging and community.
I learned many lessons from my visits to Big Noise, including a youth leadership program, jazz improvisation class, adult choir and a community orchestra. Big Noise has also contributed a host of research to the field of music education and its impact on child academic and social-emotional development. I will highlight the "Orchestra del Mondo" - Govanhill Community Orchestra under the direction of charismatic Juliana Radke de Silva because is is an example of how music-making brings diverse community members and families of Big Noise children together - many of whom are new to the community and/or country - and creates a sense of belonging and community.
What I loved most about Julianaʼs teaching is how accessible and fun she makes the rehearsal process. The 1-hour rehearsal always begins with food and conversation and then gently flows into a laugh-filled rehearsal. Juliana uses folk songs from the participantsʼ diverse cultures as the foundation for creating compositions easily accessible for beginning musicians with room to challenge the more experienced. Most participants have no previous experience of playing an instrument, let alone in a large ensemble, which is why Big Noise offers free lessons to help develop technique and build confidence.
All instruments are welcome including traditional violins and cellos to orchestra xylophones, guitars, flute and clarinet. In particular, Juliana found that the inclusion of voice was key to leveling the playing field - everyone can sing! Written music was made available, but Juliana also provided a shorthand overview or map of the piece on a large white board, which she referred to often to keep everyone on the same page. Her notes outlined the key parts of the music through visuals and very few words. Her teaching method focuses on listening first, then copying and "through this reading so the enjoyment of the music is the first and last part of every session. An important part of our orchestra is the childminding service that attends the needs of some participants that would not be able to come otherwise, this way we can also ensure that we are as inclusive as we can be." Even though it was a very comfortable, inviting and laugh-filled rehearsal, Juliana set goals and helped each participant feel a sense of accomplishment. I would love to initiate a similar program in Juneau. Thank you, Juliana and Big Noise, for continuing to lead and inspire programs like JAMM!
All instruments are welcome including traditional violins and cellos to orchestra xylophones, guitars, flute and clarinet. In particular, Juliana found that the inclusion of voice was key to leveling the playing field - everyone can sing! Written music was made available, but Juliana also provided a shorthand overview or map of the piece on a large white board, which she referred to often to keep everyone on the same page. Her notes outlined the key parts of the music through visuals and very few words. Her teaching method focuses on listening first, then copying and "through this reading so the enjoyment of the music is the first and last part of every session. An important part of our orchestra is the childminding service that attends the needs of some participants that would not be able to come otherwise, this way we can also ensure that we are as inclusive as we can be." Even though it was a very comfortable, inviting and laugh-filled rehearsal, Juliana set goals and helped each participant feel a sense of accomplishment. I would love to initiate a similar program in Juneau. Thank you, Juliana and Big Noise, for continuing to lead and inspire programs like JAMM!
Standing with Juliana and her partner, Ricardo, outside a delicious Glaswegian pizza place as my send-off back to the U.S.
