Stirling - McLaren's roots

Last night I went to Stirling, to the 'Big Noise' classical music concert in the Raploch. The Simon Bolivar Orchestra played alongside children from the community conducted by the inspirational Gustavo Dudamel.This area is one which has a history of social problems. and I am sure this was the 'slum' McLaren referred to when he talked about his mother encouraging him to deliver food parcels at Christmas. Coincidentally, I also delivered parcels here as a student, but it was Christmas parcel post, and the only problem I encountered was an angry dog I tripped over in the early winter morning!! The area had a 'bad name'and was renowned for trouble, gangs, drink problems, violence etc, but as with many areas similar to this it has a great sense of community. 
The music approach 'El Systema', begun in Venezuela in the 1970s has been pioneered in the UK for the first time in the Raploch. The system targets young children, encouraging them to play instruments rather than roam the streets or watch TV and play computer games.It aims to change lives through music. Children taught through this system  play every day, tutored by top musicians and teachers. Music becomes part of their lives and back home there is discussion about Mozart and strings, Beethoven and orchestras! I would imagine they take these subjects to an uninitiated audience! The trickle effect is being felt throughout the community and the aim is for numbers of people in that community involved in playing amnd listening to classical music to grow steadily. This is how the Simon Bolivar orchestra grew up.

Norman McLaren lived only 20 minutes walk away from this community and I know he would have adored this idea and the effect it is having. He believed in social justice and was sympathetic to the plight of the underdog! He was also a musician, and I would guess he also played music rather than roam the streets as a child.

The concert was wonderful. It poured all night...a strange way to spend mid summer evening, but the memory of the faces of these children and the way they are embrace and are embraced by music will never leave me. To watch the intent as they played alongside...literally as violin playing child sat next to orchestra adult...the simon Bolivar orchestra and glowed with pride and enjoyment was an incredible experience.

I feel music can help people to understand and express their emotions which is why my choice of music is so important for this film.

In fact I have heard that there was a follow up report on the project and it seems that there are now more children who regularilyand  attend stay on at school in order to play music, and less absence or truancy.