SYSTEMIC BENEFITS OF YOUTH MUSIC
Nicola Killean describes the vision of Sistema Scotland to tackle deep rooted inequality and foster hope by providing the opportunity for whole communities to engage with music.
Elsje Kibler-Vermaas introduces the work of the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA), particularly in disadvantaged communities in LA.
Young musicians Aaron Soriano from YOLA and Symone Hutchison in Scotland described the joys and challenges of being part of a youth orchestra.
Nicola Killean
Chief Executive Officer
Sistema Scotland, Stirling, UK
Culture and Education
Nicola Killean, OBE was the very first employee of Sistema Scotland when it was established in 2007. In collaboration with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, and the ongoing support of the local community, Killean led the design and implementation of the original Big Noise programme model. Over the past 13 years, the organisation has grown from the original pilot programme in Raploch, Stirling to a charity of national significance. Sistema Scotland now has a network of four Big Noise programmes delivered by over 130 staff and 80 volunteers supporting over 2,800 children weekly in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.
Killean is a Saltire Foundation Fellow. She previously held voluntary roles within the Children’s Panel in Scotland and on the Board of Horsecross Arts. She was awarded an OBE for services to Music, Children and Community Cohesion in the New Year Honours list for 2020.