How the power of music brings communities together

The Herald Scotland

05-06-2025

From the first time I picked up a trumpet at school, to playing with some of the country's leading bands and orchestras, making music has helped me through difficult times, introduced me to new people and sparked moments of joy.
As chief executive of music and social change charity Sistema Scotland, I am honoured to help bring that sense of community to children and young people, families and volunteers throughout Scotland.
Our Big programme is thriving in six communities around Scotland – Raploch and Fallin in Stirling, Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen, Douglas in Dundee and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh. We provide free high quality after-school music sessions and support to nearly 4,000 children and young people.
We have watched children grow up, got to know their families and become a community hub. We use the power of music and nurturing relationships to change lives and help people fulfil their aspirations.
We recently enjoyed a performance by our Big Noise United Orchestra. In the week before the concert, they took part in a residential trip, with fun activities and adventures as well as rehearsals. Hearing them chat brought home how they all felt part of something bigger than themselves and how the orchestra is laying a firm foundation of a lifelong community.
Right now, our older students are on exam leave. It's a stressful time for many. We have an open-door policy, providing extra support and reassurance in a way that suits them. We are running extra sessions for those taking SQA music exams – giving them help and reassurance.
When young people join Big Noise, their families become part of our community.
We run community orchestras, choirs and music groups throughout Scotland, which are a weekly point of connection for adults, helping with loneliness, yes, but also having fun. We have a community orchestra, community choirs, and a ukulele club.
Connections are made organically too. One family are new Scots. Their mother knew no one when she arrived in Glasgow. Big Noise gave her a sense of belonging, of support. Someone to have a cup of tea with – and she has gone on to get a degree and is busy setting up her own social enterprise.
Another parent has spoken of the sense of community and companionship she got when she brought her two young sons along to our Little Noise classes for babies. She was inspired to volunteer and has now found work.
Every day at Big Noise, I see how having strong connections with others and being part of a supportive community makes us happier and improves our lives.
The power of the orchestra to help people belong is something I experienced myself, and by providing these opportunities to children and young people in Scotland we can be part of creating this for future generations.
Vicky Williams is chief executive of Sistema Scotland
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: [e-mail]