0:00:07 > 0:00:08In June 2012,
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Raploch in Stirling hosted a concert
0:00:10 > 0:00:14marking the launch of the London 2012 Festival.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17The Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra travelled from Venezuela
0:00:17 > 0:00:21to play with Raploch's own orchestra, Big Noise.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Big Noise aims to transform the lives and aspirations of young people
0:00:28 > 0:00:33through learning to play a musical instrument and becoming part of an orchestra.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39My hope is that it just allows these children...
0:00:39 > 0:00:42to have more confidence in themselves.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47To give them courage that they can do what they want to do in their lives.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Before Big Noise, I had never heard of classical music.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It's brought a lot of music into Raploch.
0:00:55 > 0:01:01We follow the young players of Big Noise from classroom to stage
0:01:01 > 0:01:04to play side-by-side with one of the most famous orchestras in the world,
0:01:04 > 0:01:07under the baton of star conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
0:01:10 > 0:01:16Playing to an audience of over 7,000 people, and live on television
0:01:16 > 0:01:19for your first big concert can't be a bad start.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42When Big Noise started in Raploch in 2008,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45it had 35 children and six teachers.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49SINGING
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Then, only stringed instruments were taught.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Can you all go straight to position four on the A string?
0:01:55 > 0:02:00SHE SINGS ALONG WITH VIOLIN
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Excellent, well done. That was fantastic!
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Now, there are over 450 children taking part each week.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16It's perfectly calm. This is perfectly normal.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Calm is a relative term!
0:02:21 > 0:02:23The scale of the project has grown massively
0:02:23 > 0:02:26and is now overseen by a staff of 26,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31whose main job is preparing the children to play together as an orchestra.
0:02:32 > 0:02:38To start off with, we had to do a lot of work to get quite little done,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41so we'd maybe try and have a rehearsal for 45 minutes
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and rehearse for about five of those 45 minutes.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48CHILD SHOUTS
0:02:51 > 0:02:54I think the only thing is to threaten them with going home
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and I think that needs to be, if you mess around like that
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and you play those games, you go home.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03It was really, um, quite hard work and pretty chaotic.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05And...
0:03:05 > 0:03:09now, our rehearsals are much more about the music.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- Good, and should the piece end "bam"?- No.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I feel like, now,
0:03:16 > 0:03:21there are so many different members of the community that know us,
0:03:21 > 0:03:22that that's been a...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26you know, a great sort of growth,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28that we have embedded ourselves
0:03:28 > 0:03:30properly in the community,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34and give us the chance to keep working with the kids.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37The majority of this work goes on after school,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39up to four nights a week.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42As the children start to arrive,
0:03:42 > 0:03:49the Big Noise staff have to turn the three primary schools of Raploch Community Campus
0:03:49 > 0:03:51into 16 different rehearsal spaces.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54The whole team gets together at the beginning of the night
0:03:54 > 0:03:57so that everybody knows what everybody else is going to do
0:03:57 > 0:04:01to set up the room, because obviously this is transformed from a school
0:04:01 > 0:04:02into a music project.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12We're setting up for the brass band practice,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16which is going to be the first big rehearsal inside here today.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27In the beginning of Big Noise, it was only stringed instruments
0:04:27 > 0:04:29that the children could choose to learn.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35Some of the real characters do end up playing the cello
0:04:35 > 0:04:37or the double bass, and I think that's true,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40I don't think that's just a coincidence.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46'I want to be the first actor'
0:04:46 > 0:04:48with a cello on his back.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Sorry!
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- The first violins bully the second violins and the violas.- Yes.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- The first violins think they're the best.- Correct, we are.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I think we're better than the violins.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- It goes a lot lower, it goes a lot lower and...- Mine goes higher.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17- Yeah, but mine goes lower.- I don't care!- Yeah, but mine goes lower!
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- Let's arm wrestle it!- OK!
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Arm wrestle it! Three, two, one, go...
0:05:25 > 0:05:29What's the range of the viola? As far as you can kick it!
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Now, as the focus is on building orchestras,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40they've employed specialist teachers for the other instruments.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43One role that you see the back row of the woodwind doing quite a lot,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45the bassoons and the clarinets,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47is that we are really kind of the filling in the sandwich.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56I've always noticed that orchestras tend to go in little camps.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59It's just the dynamic of an orchestra,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I think there's a certain breed of player, in our assessment,
0:06:03 > 0:06:08in recruitment times, we can almost see a brass player coming down the corridor
0:06:08 > 0:06:11before they've had the chance to even play a tuba.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20If you're thinking about characters the brass players would be
0:06:20 > 0:06:25the ones climbing the walls and, er, running about daft.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27They have to get the last word in.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Yeah, they're the loud ones that want attention all the time...
0:06:31 > 0:06:33whereas the woodwind players are quite delicate
0:06:33 > 0:06:36and the string players are quite delicate, as well.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41So the brass are the hearty ones that always want attention.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Brass is very complicated, you see. It's not just like the percussion,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47hit it and play the jingly bells.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58A wise man once said to me it's all atmosphere and groove.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03And I think even in an orchestral sense, to provide colour,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06to provide rhythmic punctuation,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09all of these things are the skills that a percussionist requires.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17One of my students, after hearing the Simon Bolivar Orchestra,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20he came in and said, "When are we doing Mambo?"
0:07:20 > 0:07:22# Mambo! #
0:07:22 > 0:07:26He was talking about the Mambo from West Side Story!
0:07:26 > 0:07:27One day we'll do it,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30one day soon we might even do an elementary version,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33but it's great that the desire is there.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35# Mambo! #
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Big Noise in Raploch is part of a global network of music projects
0:07:40 > 0:07:43called El Sistema, which started in Venezuela in 1975,
0:07:43 > 0:07:49and has now been adopted in 32 countries, involving over
0:07:49 > 0:07:53four million young people. Every player
0:07:53 > 0:07:56in the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
0:07:56 > 0:07:58is a graduate of El Sistema,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01including their conductor, Gustavo Dudamel.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11El Sistema is a symbol of my country, of Venezuela.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16It's a family, it's a very powerful family.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Powerful in the way of the energy,
0:08:18 > 0:08:24in the beauty that it creates in the community.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27So, that is El Sistema!
0:08:41 > 0:08:45The main focus of the Big Noise team this year is to
0:08:45 > 0:08:48get the children ready to play in the Big Concert,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51where they'll perform a rondo by Purcell
0:08:51 > 0:08:53and the Egmont Overture by Beethoven.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58We have invited the Simon Bolivar Orchestra here
0:08:58 > 0:09:01with their music director, Gustavo Dudamel,
0:09:01 > 0:09:07to come and do the opening concert of the Olympiad here in Stirling.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13'The rehearsals for those pieces are at quite an embryonic stage.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16'In fact, we haven't really started the Beethoven.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19'We've started the Purcell, but we've done
0:09:19 > 0:09:22'a lot of preparatory work, so teaching the children the keys
0:09:22 > 0:09:25'that they'll be playing in, doing finger patterns with the strings,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29'different bowing patterns, so that when we actually begin
0:09:29 > 0:09:32'work on Beethoven, for example, it won't be such a shock for them.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36'They will pick it up pretty quickly.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39'I hope it will completely change their lives.'
0:09:39 > 0:09:42I hope it will be a lifelong experience
0:09:42 > 0:09:44that they'll look back on.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I hope, for many, it will be a turning point.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Since Big Noise started in Raploch in 2008,
0:09:53 > 0:09:58it's not just the scale of their work with the children that has increased,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01it's also grown within the Raploch community.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Trying to get youngsters involved in music at an early age
0:10:05 > 0:10:07is one of their big ambitions.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09A wee bit faster this time.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Tap your knees and tap your knees...
0:10:13 > 0:10:18Every Thursday morning, Baby Noise meets in a local community hall.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Baby Noise is the first part of Big Noise.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It's the best part, because all the wee ones come, and they are
0:10:23 > 0:10:26adorable and they come for their little music classes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29It's also a bit of social inclusion, as well.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31THEY CHEER
0:10:32 > 0:10:35I really think it's brought a lot of people together.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It is more of a community now,
0:10:37 > 0:10:42because before, you wouldn't be so much involved with each other.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45As I say, you're meeting people that you didn't know
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and you're all coming together more often.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54# ..and away we go, away we go, away we go... #
0:10:56 > 0:10:59She's my third daughter and all my girls are involved in the Big Noise.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02My eldest plays the double bass and my middle child has it at nursery,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05so she's just following suit with the rest of them.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07It is a big part of our lives.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10# ..sausages frying in the pan... #
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It's all about the communication between the parent or carer
0:11:15 > 0:11:18and the wee one. It's getting the confidence between them,
0:11:18 > 0:11:23and hopefully they're going home and singing these songs at home, too.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26# There were six fat sausages frying in the pan... #
0:11:26 > 0:11:32It's taking it back to being a very close-knit community.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35You're socialising with people that you would normally walk past
0:11:35 > 0:11:38in the street, just because you don't have the time,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40but these little events
0:11:40 > 0:11:43get you together and get you talking and interacting with everyone.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55The community campus is the main hub of Raploch life.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59It houses the three primary schools whose children
0:11:59 > 0:12:01take part in Big Noise...
0:12:02 > 0:12:04..Our Lady's Roman Catholic Primary,
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Raploch Primary,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08and Castleview, a nursery and primary school
0:12:08 > 0:12:13for children with complex and profound needs.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19We've got three of the classes from Castleview coming this morning.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21There's four classes in the school,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25and we've been working on different pieces of music
0:12:25 > 0:12:27for different Olympic sports.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29SHE SINGS
0:12:33 > 0:12:37For the children who have the most difficulty in Castleview,
0:12:37 > 0:12:43it is having the time to get the interaction from the children
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and to find a way
0:12:45 > 0:12:48to make the child part of the process,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51and for it not to be done to the child.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56One, two, three...splash!
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Good! Would you hold this, Scott,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02cos I've got a feeling he's going to want to play it all the time.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Everyone's got such individual...
0:13:04 > 0:13:06you know, individual needs,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10so we want to keep everybody happy.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I think one of the challenges that you saw
0:13:13 > 0:13:16was having such a big number of participants,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18making sure that everybody's involved.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20OK? Timmy?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Start off soft, follow my directions.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25We're going to go as fast as you can for a drum roll, OK?
0:13:34 > 0:13:36BELL RINGS
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Oh, thank you, Rachel! OK, Ryan...
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Timmy is just the most amazing wee boy.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46We always knew that he was a musically talented boy.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48VIOLIN MUSIC
0:13:50 > 0:13:52He plays the violin. He's 11 year old,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54and he loves to play his instrument.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Timmy plays in the Red Orchestra,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03so he's in the intermediate orchestra,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and he plays exactly the same music
0:14:06 > 0:14:10as everybody else, but notated differently.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Show them to George.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16Oh, I see.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28It's a good thing for him.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It's a good role for him,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33to show himself and to prove himself,
0:14:33 > 0:14:39that he is a person that can go through the years and perform.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48I think sometimes there can be issues round...
0:14:49 > 0:14:54..perceptions that everything will change
0:14:54 > 0:14:56just because Big Noise have been involved.
0:14:56 > 0:15:02And we don't have any hard evidence at this point
0:15:02 > 0:15:05to say that things have changed.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08We absolutely know that the children
0:15:08 > 0:15:11are having a fantastically high-quality experience,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14and we hope that that is going to impact,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18but in my view, it's too soon in the process
0:15:18 > 0:15:23to say that this has actually led to change in society.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25'Between the River Forth and the castle
0:15:25 > 0:15:29'is one of Stirling's oldest neighbourhoods, the Raploch.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31'Over the past 60 years,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33'this has been a lively council estate
0:15:33 > 0:15:35'with a tough reputation,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39'but now they're tearing down the houses.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42'The Raploch is going to be rebuilt...'
0:15:42 > 0:15:45MUSIC: "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack
0:16:00 > 0:16:02I'm Deaconess here at St Mark's,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06and I've been here for four years.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08My role is quite wide-ranging,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11but amongst the things that I do is
0:16:11 > 0:16:14that I try to create links
0:16:14 > 0:16:18between the church here and the local community.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I read an article which suggested
0:16:23 > 0:16:25that Big Noise was the saviour of the Raploch.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29I don't believe that, but what I do believe is
0:16:29 > 0:16:32that it has created a real sense of hope.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38We have children in the Raploch who have many needs,
0:16:38 > 0:16:44and for them to have hope that when they leave school,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48there is something bigger and better out there for them,
0:16:48 > 0:16:54that they can actually achieve far more than they dreamed
0:16:54 > 0:16:58or that their parents had ever thought possible.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00I think that's the real gift
0:17:00 > 0:17:03that the Big Noise has brought to the Raploch.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10When we were growing up, we didn't have anything like this.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13We didn't have anything to do or anywhere to go or nothing.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17I hope they just go further than that.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21A lot of folk, a lot of kids
0:17:21 > 0:17:25haven't got the choice or got this in their areas.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31I just hope that they really do well, and you can't...
0:17:31 > 0:17:32you can only wish, eh,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35where they're going to land or what's going to happen.
0:17:38 > 0:17:45We are very proud that our children will play in this event,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48because they are Polish,
0:17:48 > 0:17:53so there are just two Polish people who can play,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and it's incredible.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Since he took up Big Noise, his confidence has grown.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04He's really took an aptitude to music,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07and it's not affected his schoolwork in any way,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09which is what we were worried about.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13He actually goes onto the computer and watches orchestras and that,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15and listens to all the different instruments,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18to the point where we've got it tuned into the car now
0:18:18 > 0:18:20so he can listen to classical music as well.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Brought a lot of music into Raploch.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Like, half the people didn't know what classical music was,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27and now everyone does,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30so it's brought a lot of excitement and music into Raploch.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- INTERVIEWER:- And that's a good thing? - A very good thing.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Big Noise doesn't only teach the children to play an instrument.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44They also learn the discipline of playing in an orchestra,
0:18:44 > 0:18:49which is a very different discipline from the classroom or home.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57I think what these children learn is being well behaved, you know,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59learning behaviour skills,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02because they see the positive influences that has
0:19:02 > 0:19:06on their colleagues, so it's not so selfish.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07It's not about them,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10"if I'm well behaved, that means I get this."
0:19:10 > 0:19:12They know that, actually, if they're well behaved,
0:19:12 > 0:19:17them and their friends will achieve something or get something.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20For me, a lot of it's around confidence.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I think that you learn all sorts from performing on an instrument,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and to be able to stand up in front of all their peers,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28they're in a huge group of first years,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and to just say, "Ah, course I know!"
0:19:31 > 0:19:33They'll take that into every situation
0:19:33 > 0:19:35in the rest of their lives.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37More confident, happier adults, I guess.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Big Noise is there not just for the children of Raploch.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47It's there for the whole community to take part in.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Every week, an adult orchestra, The Noise,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56made up of first-time players, gathers at the school to rehearse
0:19:56 > 0:20:00under the ever-watchful eyes of Veronica Urrego.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03That's my favourite part of the job,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06being at The Noise and be the responsible one for The Noise.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07I call them my little chickens,
0:20:07 > 0:20:12because I am feeling like a mother hen.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18You are sounding like a Highland cow. Mrrr! Mrrr!
0:20:18 > 0:20:23Veronica herself is a graduate of El Sistema in Venezuela.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I started Sistema when I was four years old,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30and then I left because I left the country at 24,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33so it's 20 years of Sistema living or life,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35because Sistema is a way of life.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Oh, thank God we've got this film! LAUGHTER
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Every night we laugh. It's brilliant.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Just at silly things, you know?
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Veronica - "Oh, ai ai aiii!" You know, when it's really rubbish.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02Or the cellos get it one night
0:21:02 > 0:21:04and somebody else is getting it the next night.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06'It's your turn tonight.'
0:21:06 > 0:21:08I cannot be louder than you.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11You have to be louder than me. No!
0:21:11 > 0:21:16'I've been in the Raploch now for about 40 years.'
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Big Noise has really done an awful lot of good to the Raploch
0:21:19 > 0:21:22from my own point of view,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25cos I used to just sit in this house 24/7.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Now, cos I'm in Big Noise,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32I've also started on a couple of wee committees to do with old folk.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Where before, I'd never have thought that anybody would want to know
0:21:39 > 0:21:41my opinion about anything.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I would think the kids are thinking,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49"Well, maybe this'll help me to get famous when I'm big," you know?
0:21:49 > 0:21:50There's Nicola Benedetti,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52a very good example for the kids, you know?
0:21:56 > 0:22:00As well as being an active member of the Sistema Scotland board,
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Nicola Benedetti is the official Musical Big Sister to Big Noise.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10AUDIENCE APPLAUDS
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Despite a busy international touring schedule,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15she frequently gives workshops
0:22:15 > 0:22:18and one-to-one tuition to the children in Raploch.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Most of them are aware that I'm a violinist and they've seen me
0:22:25 > 0:22:28playing on TV or they've come to a concert or something like that,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31so I think seeing another young person that they know
0:22:31 > 0:22:34is out there doing it professionally,
0:22:34 > 0:22:39and somehow someone they can relate to,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43I think, is hopefully a source of inspiration for them.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I would also say that the fact that I then come
0:22:47 > 0:22:48and just sort of muck in with everyone
0:22:48 > 0:22:50and then actually teach them,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54and I'm speaking to them about bow holds and playing in tune,
0:22:54 > 0:23:01I think it's a nice combination for them just to see
0:23:01 > 0:23:04the mixture of me on the TV playing a concert
0:23:04 > 0:23:09and me here just being their teacher, basically.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Yeah, it's good, but it can be even flatter, the first finger.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17So even lower down.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I think you can do it even louder than that.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Did you hear that?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Did you? See, I didn't even think you could do that.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33'My hope is that Sistema in Raploch...'
0:23:36 > 0:23:40..allows these children to have more confidence in themselves,
0:23:40 > 0:23:44to give them courage that they can do
0:23:44 > 0:23:45what they want to do in their lives,
0:23:45 > 0:23:51and it just gives them another cushion in order to say,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54"OK, this is what I want to do. I'm going to go for it.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57"I have the confidence to go for it, and I believe I can."
0:23:57 > 0:24:00I think that's one of the things we're battling with
0:24:00 > 0:24:03more than anything else in this country, in the UK,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07is a lack of confidence and self-assurance in children.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16Stop! One, two...three.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18THEY PLAY TOGETHER
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Good, excellent!
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Instead of, like, sitting in a house
0:24:22 > 0:24:24or going out in the streets,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26you get to do something.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31SHE PLAYS "ODE TO JOY"
0:24:37 > 0:24:39The main work of Big Noise
0:24:39 > 0:24:42goes on after school, up to four nights a week.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47In addition to this, they also organise away days
0:24:47 > 0:24:51and residential trips for the children to take part in.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Well, we're going to Dunoon. To...
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- Castle Toward.- ..Castle Toward, aye.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00With two months to go to the Big Concert,
0:25:00 > 0:25:02the main purpose of this trip
0:25:02 > 0:25:05is to introduce a piece by Beethoven to the young players,
0:25:05 > 0:25:10who will sit side-by-side with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in June.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12We've got a long bus journey ahead in the rain,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15and we're going to be there for three days, two nights,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17playing loads of music, basically.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19And having a really, really good time, I hope.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Hopefully getting outdoors a little bit. Depending on the weather.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26We're going to be enjoying
0:25:26 > 0:25:29a fantastic two nights and three days
0:25:29 > 0:25:32away from home for the best.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- INTERVIEWER: And you'll be playing music as well?- BOTH: Yes!
0:25:35 > 0:25:38And doing activities which include gorge walking,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40archery, and what else?
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Er, high ropes, but we don't know which one we're going to do first.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47It's just crazy. Just getting on with all the luggage
0:25:47 > 0:25:48and then just getting up.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59# Roll up, roll up for the magical mystery tour
0:25:59 > 0:26:01# Step right this way
0:26:01 > 0:26:04# Roll up
0:26:04 > 0:26:07# Roll up for the mystery tour
0:26:07 > 0:26:10# Roll up
0:26:10 > 0:26:13# Roll up for the mystery tour
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- # Roll up - # That's an invitation
0:26:16 > 0:26:18# Roll up for the mystery tour
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- # Roll up - # To make a reservation
0:26:21 > 0:26:23# Roll up for the mystery tour... #
0:26:23 > 0:26:26I'm looking forward to hearing the kids making some music together.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28INTERVIEWER: Are you all starting to think
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- about the concert in June yet? - Nah. No' really.- Aye!
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- Are you looking forward to playing at it?- ALL: Aye.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I've been practising.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Erm, I've been telling my family about it,
0:26:39 > 0:26:40and they've been asking me.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43They've been dying to come and everything.
0:26:43 > 0:26:50# The magical mystery tour is dying to take you away
0:26:50 > 0:26:52# Dying to take you away
0:26:52 > 0:26:56# Take you today. #
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Right, guys, don't run away.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Everybody, now listen really carefully,
0:27:13 > 0:27:16because there's a lot of stuff to get through,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18so I need you to listen carefully, and after I've spoken,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21we're going to sort you out in your dormitories, OK?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24A couple of wee things that we just need you to know
0:27:24 > 0:27:26for the next couple of days.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29The boys and girls thing. Right, this is...
0:27:29 > 0:27:32I know that Bonita's already mentioned this,
0:27:32 > 0:27:33but I'll mention it again,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and I'm going to take it a wee bit further, OK?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40The girls at the very top of the house and the boys one floor up,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42you DO NOT go into...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45if you're a girl, you do NOT go into the boys' corridor.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49If you're a boy, you do NOT go into the girls' corridor.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Guys, hear this.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52If you do...listen!
0:27:52 > 0:27:56If you do, I'll send you home. I mean it.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I've done it before, OK? And I'll have no hesitation.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I think, for most of us, as professional musicians,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10the whole residential thing was an integral part
0:28:10 > 0:28:12of our growing up and our training,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14and how special it was for us.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16So I think we all want the kids
0:28:16 > 0:28:19to have that same experience of being away from home.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Obviously, we want to have a concentrated time of rehearsal,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25but we want them to have a good time, we want them to bond,
0:28:25 > 0:28:30we want to just solidify the sense of community and belonging.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36With lunch over, it's time to get started.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Where is your thumb? Somebody turn round and show me
0:28:42 > 0:28:45where your thumb should be when you're shifting.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47In fact, shut your eyes. Shut your eyes, everybody.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49THEY GRUMBLE Shut your eyes.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Turn your cello round. THEY GROAN
0:28:53 > 0:28:57I want to see everybody's hand in position. Let me see your string.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59No, Liam, turn it around. As if you were playing.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03One and two and three and four and one and two and...
0:29:03 > 0:29:05The brass and percussion sections
0:29:05 > 0:29:09show it's not just the classics that they can turn their hand to.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12THEY PLAY "POKER FACE" BY LADY GAGA
0:29:12 > 0:29:14In the concert band,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18we were playing Poker Face by Lady Gaga.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21And I was really excited.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23And it sounds just like the song,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25but it doesn't have the words in it.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28THEY PLAY "POKER FACE" BY LADY GAGA
0:29:28 > 0:29:33The days at Castle Toward are long, with lots of practice,
0:29:33 > 0:29:35focusing mostly on the new piece of music
0:29:35 > 0:29:37to be rehearsed for the Big Concert,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Beethoven's Egmont Overture.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43Come on, we're going to do literally... Annie!
0:29:43 > 0:29:45I know this is hard, because it's new,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48and you've had a really long day, and you've done very well.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50We're going to do five minutes more on this.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52THEY PLAY NOTES OVER AND OVER
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Good!
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Now, we sort of did that,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58but I would like us now to add in the crescendo.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00So I'm going to bring you up, OK?
0:30:00 > 0:30:02I'm going to conduct it. Shhh!
0:30:02 > 0:30:05And you're going to do the crescendo. Can we do it...
0:30:05 > 0:30:07with a bit more of an excited sound?
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Everyone turn around and look out the window,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12and remember where you are. Just have a look.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Think, "Oh, my God! We're here! This is amazing!"
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Can we play with that excitement that you have that we are away?
0:30:17 > 0:30:20You're away from your parents! This is so much fun!
0:30:20 > 0:30:22No, don't say that!
0:30:22 > 0:30:25You're having fun! But let's play it with excitement. Ready?
0:30:25 > 0:30:29We're going to do the crescendo this time, and I'm going to conduct it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30Just on that G. One...
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- THEY SHUSH EACH OTHER HE WHISPERS - One, two, and...
0:30:36 > 0:30:40Ba-ba-ba-bee-ba-bow
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Ba-ba-ba, ba-ba-ba
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Two, three, one, two, three.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Basses! It's all yours, basses.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Listen to the basses!
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Quiet, listen to the basses.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55And one...
0:30:55 > 0:30:57OK, shhh!
0:30:57 > 0:30:59And we'll do that bit tomorrow.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Pretty good. Pretty good.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04For a first stab...shhh!
0:31:04 > 0:31:06That's a very good effort
0:31:06 > 0:31:08at the end of a long day.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17THEY SHOUT TO EACH OTHER
0:31:35 > 0:31:39THEY PLAY TOGETHER
0:31:44 > 0:31:49I think what I've experienced from the very beginning here is
0:31:49 > 0:31:53a sense of....erm...
0:31:53 > 0:31:55"I cannae dae it!"
0:31:55 > 0:31:57A lot of the time.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02And it's just this feeling of self-worth that I think,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05probably, this project is giving them, little by little.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09And every time we hit new repertoire,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12it seems as if it was a game of rounders,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15as if they're going back to first base each time.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18HE SINGS ALONG AS THEY PLAY SLOWLY
0:32:34 > 0:32:38Girls, that is absolutely night and day,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40compared to yesterday.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41'You can be spending,'
0:32:41 > 0:32:44like we are here at Castle Toward,
0:32:44 > 0:32:45a long time together.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47We've got to be able to pace it properly,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50so that we're giving them the new repertoire,
0:32:50 > 0:32:51and then putting them back into
0:32:51 > 0:32:54a bit of comfort zone for a little while.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57And then back into it again, trying to learn as much as we can.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00And not get too much of a burn-out with it all the time.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11But it's not all wall-to-wall crotchets and quavers.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14Outdoor adventure activities help the group bond as a team.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Well done!
0:33:16 > 0:33:19THEY CHEER
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Work in sets of threes.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30And why that is, so you can help each other up,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33support each other and work together.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38THEY SQUEAL AND GIGGLE
0:33:54 > 0:33:55OK, young man.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57When you're ready. Off you go.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03- THEY SQUEAL AND SHOUT - Oh-ho! Look at that!
0:34:03 > 0:34:05One, two, three.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08On their last day at Castle Toward,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11the sectional rehearsals start early,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15working towards full orchestra rehearsals
0:34:15 > 0:34:17of Beethoven's Egmont later in the day.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Very good. Second finger is very good. Good, good, good.
0:34:20 > 0:34:26THEY PLAY TOGETHER
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Good!
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Good!
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Good, keep going!
0:34:40 > 0:34:42'It's quite good.'
0:34:42 > 0:34:47It's good, but boring as well.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Because, like, when you play the same thing over and over again...
0:34:50 > 0:34:52But then, when you get it,
0:34:52 > 0:34:53it's really good.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Then when you can play it, it's good as well.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Right, does that feel easier?
0:35:02 > 0:35:05One...shhh!
0:35:06 > 0:35:10A key part of the preparation for the Big Concert
0:35:10 > 0:35:14is for the children to give their full attention to the conductor.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17FULL ORCHESTRA PLAYS
0:35:17 > 0:35:19No, come off with me.
0:35:19 > 0:35:20You MUST come off.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23And you will only be able to come off, Erin,
0:35:23 > 0:35:25if you're watching me.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29FULL ORCHESTRA PLAYS
0:35:29 > 0:35:30No sound before the beat.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40FULL ORCHESTRA PLAYS
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Good! OK, much better.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48So whatever a conductor decides to do or indicate to you,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50you must follow it.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52We're meeting here for the pictures.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55SHE RINGS BELL
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Have a wee seat on the stairs and we'll get a picture of everybody.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Do either of you think you might try
0:36:02 > 0:36:05and become professional musicians when you're older?
0:36:05 > 0:36:06- Yes.- Probably, yes.
0:36:06 > 0:36:13I think really that depends if either I, like, get through
0:36:13 > 0:36:18one of the most important tests and stuff, I'll maybe become a musician.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22We'll just see what life brings us.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27Ready? Three, seven, five...
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- What are we saying? - PUPIL SHOUTS
0:36:29 > 0:36:33- What? "Egmont."- "Egmont."
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Right, we're going, team. Come on.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43CHATTING
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Go this way.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07He's gross! SHE SHRIEKS
0:37:07 > 0:37:09What have you liked about it most?
0:37:09 > 0:37:11I like practising Purcell.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15There you go, there's one. Yes! I want one of that.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Isla, I'm collecting shells.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Oh, I found a clam!
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Aye, the kids have had a ball.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26I think they were a bit unsettled the first day, it was so new to them, so alien to them,
0:37:26 > 0:37:30and of course we took their phones away and all the electronic gizmos.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34I think that at first they didn't know what to do, you know?
0:37:34 > 0:37:36And the first night, you know, they were away from home.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41But once all of that settled, they've worked incredibly hard,
0:37:41 > 0:37:43they've really gelled, they've bonded.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48All the outdoor stuff they did yesterday, the high wires, they loved that.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51And they've made a lot of good music, as well.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55And they don't want to go home, so that's always a good sign.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- The Purcell or the Egmont, what's your favourite?- Purcell.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Purcell, why is that your favourite? - Because it has easier notes.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Egmont.- Egmont. - Why is it your favourite?
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- Because it's cool.- It's funky. - Funky!
0:38:13 > 0:38:18It's now time for Big Noise to do their first full run-through
0:38:18 > 0:38:22of Beethoven's Egmont Overture, which is much longer
0:38:22 > 0:38:25and more complicated than anything they've played before.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29This is the main piece they will play at the Big Concert,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31so it has to be right.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Fantastic. Fantastic.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58One of the most daunting tasks for the teachers is to prepare
0:38:58 > 0:39:00the children of Big Noise for playing in the midst
0:39:00 > 0:39:06of the 200-strong Simon Bolivar Orchestra at the Big Concert.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11I've always believed that one of the most motivating things
0:39:11 > 0:39:16for children who are learning a musical instrument is to be
0:39:16 > 0:39:19involved in some kind of ensemble, to be IN a sound.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22And, of course, they're going to be IN the sound
0:39:22 > 0:39:25of one of the best orchestras in the world with one of the most
0:39:25 > 0:39:27outstanding young conductors in the world,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29so I don't think it gets much better than that.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36With less than a month to go, there's a special weekend rehearsal
0:39:36 > 0:39:39for the children chosen to play at the Big Concert
0:39:39 > 0:39:42to try and give them some idea of what it's going to be like
0:39:42 > 0:39:46playing side-by-side with a professional orchestra.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Big Noise have a buddy scheme with
0:39:48 > 0:39:52the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and their players regularly
0:39:52 > 0:39:56come to Raploch to take part in workshops or to perform for the children.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Guys, if you've not been in before,
0:39:59 > 0:40:05what this is about is that the kids are playing Egmont with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra,
0:40:05 > 0:40:09and we've written an arrangement that's kind of...
0:40:09 > 0:40:11slightly simpler. You'll be playing your part,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15they'll be playing probably some sort of skeletal version of your part.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Hopefully they'll be playing the skeletal version of their part,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21and they're in the same place as you're playing your part.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23However, can't guarantee that. So if you can just sort of...
0:40:24 > 0:40:29..perhaps put a loving arm around them and just point to...
0:40:29 > 0:40:33And again, I think it will probably freak them out to have somebody,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35you know, making your sound, sitting next to them,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38but that'll be fine, this is really what it's all about. Great.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43I think you're in a cupboard somewhere.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51But the hot weather has resulted in a poor turnout.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53There's only... Well, the violin's going to be split,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56cos there's only one first violin.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59So they can just... I know, it's terrible.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01I would normally never wish it to be raining, but...
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I want to, you know, phone people up on a Saturday morning
0:41:07 > 0:41:10and say, like, "Your child should be here," and it's glorious sunshine.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12William! Yay!
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Well done, you made it! Well done.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21- Sorry.- That's OK. Right, let's go and find your cello section.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29OK, Mr Cummings, you have another client.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- Right, William. Well done. - Sorry I'm late. - No worries, come on in here.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Good. Right. Go and get Iain started.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39Due to the low turnout in some of the sectional rehearsals,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42the Raploch children are outnumbered by the BBC players,
0:41:42 > 0:41:47but it's still useful practice to hear their parts played side-by-side
0:41:47 > 0:41:50with the parts the Simon Bolivar Orchestra will play at the Big Concert.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56I like my music more, and especially classical, cos I used to,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59like, listen to BOB and all that, I still do,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02but now I like classical music, like Egmont.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32You've got to take your time, cos if you get something mixed up,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35it's like you're losing your place in the world.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47- What's your favourite to play? - It has to be the Egmont.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50It is the longest one, but it's the one that everyone just, you have
0:42:50 > 0:42:53your feet dancing to it, and you're just, like, all excited with it.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09That was a good long section. Fantastic.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12I think they got a great thrill out of playing,
0:43:12 > 0:43:16and I think we did something to, you know, deal with the surprise element,
0:43:16 > 0:43:20cos I think they're probably in for the shock of their lives
0:43:20 > 0:43:23when they hear, you know, what it's going to sound like.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26So I think that was part of what today was about, as well.
0:43:26 > 0:43:31And are you confident for the Big Concert?
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Erm...
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Erm, I think we've done as well...
0:43:35 > 0:43:38I don't think we could have done any better, put it that way.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43I think it's a huge challenge. The kids have climbed an enormous hill.
0:43:43 > 0:43:48In a sense there is very little you can do to prepare anybody for that sort of experience.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52So, yeah, I'm confident, I think we've worked incredibly hard,
0:43:52 > 0:43:54I think they've worked incredibly hard,
0:43:54 > 0:43:57I think they've exceeded all our expectations, in many ways.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59But, there's always the great unknown.
0:44:04 > 0:44:11After months of planning, as the derelict site of the old Raploch primary school
0:44:11 > 0:44:14is transformed into an open-air theatre,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela arrive in Raploch.
0:44:19 > 0:44:24As the hundreds of instruments start to arrive at the campus,
0:44:24 > 0:44:27the main gym is turned into an orchestral rehearsal space.
0:44:31 > 0:44:37And the children of Big Noise get to meet their Venezuelan visitors for the first time.
0:44:37 > 0:44:43- Favourite player is Didier Drogba. - Yeah, he's a monster!
0:44:43 > 0:44:45Yeah!
0:44:45 > 0:44:48RHYTHMIC CLAPPING
0:45:00 > 0:45:02My goodness, I can't believe it! I'm so excited.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05I don't think I've been this excited since I was about five
0:45:05 > 0:45:06and it was Christmas Day.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10I just cannot believe they're here. So, it's fantastic.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12A real buzz about the place.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14So many different people, different personalities,
0:45:14 > 0:45:16and lots of smiling and laughing going on.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22We are welcoming all these hysterical Venezuelans
0:45:22 > 0:45:26who are full of energy, and they're louder than our children,
0:45:26 > 0:45:27and we're having a good time.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31RHYTHMIC CLAPPING
0:45:31 > 0:45:34- Uno, dos, tres.- Argh!
0:45:36 > 0:45:38For six hours, so every day,
0:45:38 > 0:45:41Monday to Monday, they practise for six hours, non-stop.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44Probably, yeah, they go to the loo or have a glass of water or...
0:45:48 > 0:45:53During lunch, the children get a chance to meet Gustavo Dudamel.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58Then it's back to work to prepare for their first rehearsal with him
0:45:58 > 0:46:02of the Rondeau from Abdelazar by Purcell.
0:46:04 > 0:46:05Get ready!
0:46:14 > 0:46:16ORCHESTRA PLAYS
0:46:16 > 0:46:19This is the first time Gustavo has heard Big Noise play.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28APPLAUSE
0:46:28 > 0:46:30There's a lot of pressure on this rehearsal to go well,
0:46:30 > 0:46:34as this Purcell piece will not only start the Big Concert,
0:46:34 > 0:46:38but will be played solely by the young musicians of Big Noise.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Ready for the party?
0:46:41 > 0:46:43ALL: Yes!
0:46:47 > 0:46:50Back at the campus gym,
0:46:50 > 0:46:55the Simon Bolivar Orchestra are waiting for the first rehearsal with Big Noise,
0:46:55 > 0:46:59but not before some orchestral scores are settled.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Like that. OK?
0:47:12 > 0:47:15APPLAUSE
0:47:20 > 0:47:24We will do Egmont now. Let's go. OK? Bravi! Beautiful!
0:47:24 > 0:47:27APPLAUSE
0:47:32 > 0:47:34I thought it was great. I thought the kids rose to it.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36I thought he was terrific with them.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39He was just very gentle, very encouraging.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43We did all the browbeating, as it were,
0:47:43 > 0:47:45and he just teased it out of them.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47It was lovely, absolutely lovely.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52After months of rehearsal and preparation,
0:47:52 > 0:47:57it's finally time for Big Noise to sit side-by-side
0:47:57 > 0:47:59with one of the most famous orchestras in the world.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06ORCHESTRA STARTS UP
0:48:17 > 0:48:21To stand in front of this group of children is for hope.
0:48:21 > 0:48:27Hope is again beauty. Hope is energy.
0:48:27 > 0:48:33Hope is love, so it's a gift of life so...
0:48:40 > 0:48:44APPLAUSE
0:48:44 > 0:48:49I feel really excited more and more because I know how it's going
0:48:49 > 0:48:52to sound and I can't wait until it's the actual night.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58It's finally the big day and in true Scottish fashion,
0:48:58 > 0:49:00the weather breaks.
0:49:05 > 0:49:10As the audience and players arrive, the nerves start to show backstage.
0:49:12 > 0:49:16- You all ready?- Yes.- Hiya! - Really help us! Really help us!
0:49:18 > 0:49:20- How are you feeling?- Ohh...
0:49:22 > 0:49:27- Hi.- How are you?- I'm good. How are you? How's it going?- Good. Thank you.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32I need the toilet!
0:49:32 > 0:49:35You'll have the chance to go to the toilet.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39I'm feeling a wee bit nervous but I'm sure it's all going on be great.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41I'll feel better after the concert.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46THEY TUNE UP
0:49:49 > 0:49:51What are you most looking forward to, Lewis?
0:49:51 > 0:49:54Just playing the pieces, like Egmont.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57I'm really excited. I'm glad the weather's started to clear up a bit.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Should be a good night. I'm looking forward to it.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06THEY TUNE UP
0:50:09 > 0:50:11They're going to be great.
0:50:12 > 0:50:13It's going to be great.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17Hi, everyone. I'm Bayley.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21I'm nine years old and I love playing the double bass.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25Gustavo Dudamel's going to give you a row if you do that.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27He better no'!
0:50:31 > 0:50:35As the rain pelts down, last-minute tunings and preparations
0:50:35 > 0:50:39go on backstage as Big Noise await their call to take to the stage.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43WHISTLING
0:50:43 > 0:50:47Stop! I'm trying to tune. I can't hear myself.
0:50:52 > 0:50:57With an audience of 7,000 waiting, the stage is set
0:50:57 > 0:50:59and Big Noise get their call.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01It's time to get on stage.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03We're on the way, mate. Cheers. You're on.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05OK. Let's go, guys.
0:51:17 > 0:51:22But the journey for one young cellist doesn't exactly go to plan.
0:51:22 > 0:51:27Here we come. Come on, Willie. Hurry up.
0:51:27 > 0:51:29Oh, no!
0:51:31 > 0:51:35It looks like Big Noise will be one cello down on stage,
0:51:35 > 0:51:38until one of the Sistema family comes to his rescue.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41This man has very kindly offered to lend Glenn his cello
0:51:41 > 0:51:43for the first piece.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46CHEERING
0:51:46 > 0:51:49To open the London 2012 Festival,
0:51:49 > 0:51:52would you please give a hand for the children of Big Noise Raploch
0:51:52 > 0:51:56together with their patron and conductor, Gustavo Dudamel.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:52:06 > 0:52:09When I'm conducting a professional orchestra,
0:52:09 > 0:52:16I'm always telling them we have to remember why we are musicians,
0:52:16 > 0:52:23how the music got us to be in love with this.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19'As an orchestra,
0:53:19 > 0:53:23'I think it's one of the most beautiful examples of community,'
0:53:23 > 0:53:25because, you know,
0:53:25 > 0:53:32many ideas, different personalities,
0:53:32 > 0:53:34you create harmony.
0:53:34 > 0:53:39You change through the time that you are rehearsing a piece.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42You get an idea together and that is beautiful.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45I think it's one of the most beautiful examples.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:54:34 > 0:54:39With the Purcell piece over, it's now time for some of the young players
0:54:39 > 0:54:43to leave the stage and make way for the Simon Bolivar Orchestra
0:54:43 > 0:54:47to sit side-by-side with the remaining Big Noise children
0:54:47 > 0:54:50to play the Egmont Overture by Beethoven.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54- How was that?- That was brilliant!
0:54:57 > 0:55:01- How was that, Timmy? - It was great fun. I did great!
0:55:01 > 0:55:05Oh, remember. Thanks for helping.
0:55:05 > 0:55:13And I wanted to thank you for the Big Noise.
0:55:16 > 0:55:21Oh, that was just brilliant. I thought they did so well. Francis!
0:55:21 > 0:55:24- Sorry.- Do you think my bum looks fat in this? Don't you...!
0:55:26 > 0:55:28Oh, my God. You must be happy.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31John, I'll kill you if you put this on camera.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34Well done. You were brilliant. You were absolutely brilliant.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Sorry, I'm so proud. I'm beyond proud.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39I'm just trying to swallow my tears.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41For the whole day, that's all I've been trying to do.
0:55:41 > 0:55:42They've been brilliant.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47After months of preparation,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50this is the moment these young players have been waiting for,
0:55:50 > 0:55:53as they sit side-by-side
0:55:53 > 0:55:55with the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
0:56:57 > 0:57:03For them, it will be a miracle for their life
0:57:03 > 0:57:07to see the support of their community...
0:57:08 > 0:57:11..how proud they are of them.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14For us, it will be a gift
0:57:14 > 0:57:22because it's an example to see these children dreaming and playing.
0:57:22 > 0:57:29Playing and giving all their soul for the music, they are showing
0:57:29 > 0:57:34it's possible to develop and change their life through music.
0:57:45 > 0:57:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:58 > 0:58:03They're not going to forget that one, are they? It was just amazing!
0:58:06 > 0:58:10- A bit shaky. - Was that good fun?- Aye.- Aye.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13It was very scary, but you have to learn to get over it
0:58:13 > 0:58:16and get the work done.
0:58:16 > 0:58:20So...see you later.
0:58:20 > 0:58:22It was nerve-racking.
0:58:22 > 0:58:28It was a big, big chance and I just took it and made it shine.
0:58:28 > 0:58:32Yeah, this is the best day of my life.
0:58:32 > 0:58:36CHEERING
0:58:48 > 0:58:53Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd