Education Committee Endorses Council Developing a Proposal to Bring Sistema to Dundee

Pictures from Sistema Scotland Project
in Raploch in Stirling

Last night the Education Committee unanimously agreed to instruct senior Council Officers to meet with representatives of Sistema Scotland and Optimistic Sound in Dundee to jointly prepare a detailed proposal for Sistema to establish one of their music programmes in Dundee.

Here is a copy of my contribution to the debate:

"Convener, I am pleased that you have signalled your support for Councillor Keegan's motion tonight and the opportunity his motion provides.

I hope now that we all believe that the potential benefit of bringing El Sistema to Dundee shouldn't be ignored. If Sistema Scotland and Optimistic Sound based in Dundee can bring in external funding to enhance what we already do to nurture musical talent in our city then that  must be worthwhile. Young people who would be engaged in the El Sistema immersive programme of music tuition and performance will bring a reward for themselves, their families and for their communities. 

And this viewpoint was emphasised not only in Clare Brennan's deputation to us tonight but also at the launch of the second Big Noise Orchestra in Govanhill in Glasgow in 2012 at which Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
'Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise Orchestra (in Stirling) is already transforming lives through music, and has the potential to improve confidence, wellbeing, health, education and community safety. The Scottish Government is committed to investing in programmes that can help to prevent health and social problems, which is why Sistema Scotland has our full support with funding coming from several different portfolios.'

Big Noise Govanhill is expected to make a real and positive difference to the community and the people who live there.

The Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop hailed Sistema Scotland’s work in Raploch as 'a fantastic example of how cultural activity can deliver real benefits to individuals, communities and wider society.'

She went on: 'It has improved the personal and social development of children in Raploch as well as their confidence, self-esteem, social skills and ability to concentrate, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of the programme in Govanhill.'

So Convener, as you acknowledged, we are not being asked to try something that has not been tried before but something which has a proven track record over six years in Raploch in Stirling and now over two years in Govanhill. In Aberdeen their council are engaged in negotiations to bring El Sistema to their city.

I urge our senior officials and representatives of Optimistic Sound and Sistema Scotland to get on with their negotiations and secure Dundee a place in the queue.

Finally, since this is predominantly an educational programme, albeit with many other benefits, I hope the Education Committee will not be bypassed when the forthcoming report comes back to Council."

Links to Sistema Scotland and Optimistic Sound