Scottish orchestra shows the power of children's rights in action

The National

19-07-2025

Here, Sistema Scotland's Paul Sullivan – and members of the Big Noise orchestra – look back on what it has meant for them.
IT was a simple statement but a powerful one. 'It made me realise that using my voice will actually make things happen,' says Elidh, 15, from Dundee.
She was talking about her experience as one of the members of the youth committee for Sistema Scotland's Big Noise United Orchestra, which brings together young people from each of our six centres around the country.
Big Noise isn't just about music. It's about fostering an environment where young people can influence the direction of the programme and feel heard in all aspects of their experience.
Elidh (Image: Supplied)As the country marks the first anniversary of the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law, it is a good moment to think about how we can all help to realise children's rights in everything we do.
The UNCRC sets out the human rights of children and young people, including the right to an education, to the best possible health, to nutritious food, to a safe, warm house, to social security, and protection from abuse and neglect.
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The youth committee, of which Elidh is a member, is one way we have been observing this important legal and cultural change.
During a residential trip ahead of a special Big Noise United Orchestra concert at Dundee's Caird Hall, the children on the committee helped shape everything from the mobile phone policy, the music they played, and what activities they did in the evenings, making it all as inclusive as possible.
Big Noise United Orchestra, at Dundee's Caird HallBeing involved in the planning stages helped them feel comfortable on the trip. As Karis, 14, from Dundee, said: 'This was my first-ever residential, so I thought by being on the youth committee and having a say in it, I would feel more comfortable going and would know what was happening.'
Jessica, a long-time Big Noise member, explained how this involvement helped break down barriers. 'When you're younger, it can feel like people don't listen to you as much, just because you are kids,' she says. 'But because of this group, people want to hear your opinions and will use that to make things more enjoyable for you.'
We also found that listening to the young people and giving them the opportunity to shape their own experiences fostered an atmosphere of respect and inclusion.
'The vibe was great. You felt like you could just be yourself, and no-one was going to judge you,' Karis said, emphasising the importance of creating a space where young people feel safe to express themselves.
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For me, it was amazing to see how our young people started to see their rights as something real – part of their everyday lives – rather than just words on a piece of paper.
'It made me think about more than just the music we were going to do,' Elidh said. 'And my right to have an opinion, my right to learn, and to play.'
The youth committee experience has shown these children that their rights are not just about having fun or being involved, they are about being respected as individuals with valuable insights and experiences.
Involving children in small, everyday choices shows them that their voice matters, and helps give them the confidence to have influence over the bigger decisions in their lives and their communities.
Jessica, a viola player from Stirling who has been with Big Noise since she was only one year old and is now in S2, described Big Noise as 'a place where you can be yourself without worrying about others' opinions'.
Big Noise also addresses the significant issue of access. By removing barriers like fees for instruments and meals, Sistema Scotland ensures that all children can take part. The idea is simple: no child should be excluded from the opportunities that music, creativity and community provide. 'Big Noise is a safe space for us,' says Anoosh, also from Stirling, who is in S4. 'It provides us with meals and opportunities to build relationships and make friends.'
Anoosh (left) However, while initiatives such as Big Noise make a real difference, there is still more work to be done – and that is on all of us, at every level of society.
We all want children to grow up in an environment of love, respect, and understanding. But for many, especially those facing poverty, this is not always the reality.
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Poverty disrupts education, impacts health and wellbeing, and can lead to exclusion or isolation. Big Noise is one way that we can tackle this major barrier to children realising their rights.
As we mark the first year of the UNCRC's incorporation into Scots law, we can see how important it is to listen to young people and give them a platform to shape the world around them.
Through the experiences of children like Elidh, Karis, Anoosh, and Jessica, we can see the power of children's rights in action.
That is why organisations like Big Noise exist, and why we remain committed to supporting all children and young people realise their ambitions and release their potential.
Paul Sullivan is director of children, young people, and communities at the charity Sistema Scotland