Conductor says Caithness Junior Orchestra will remain accessible to all families
Caithness Junior Orchestra is determined to remain inclusive by welcoming young musicians from all backgrounds as the cost-of-living crisis squeezes family budgets.
Conductor Susie Dingle is eager to continue to expand the orchestra, which currently has more than 20 members, and has taken steps to ensure that this after-school activity remains accessible to all families regardless of income.
“We’re so grateful for two generous donations, from the Daniel McLean Memorial Fund and the Eilidh Macleod Memorial Trust, which will enable us to offer free places in the orchestra this year to all who need them," she said.
"It’s very important to us that no child should be disadvantaged by their family finances when it comes to joining the orchestra. We want to welcome as many young musicians as possible every Monday after school.”
At a time when the Scottish Government has already made instrumental tuition in schools free of charge, Susie sees it as an opportunity to include all of those young musicians in the orchestra. She believes that every young musician who gets lessons should join a group in order to maximise the benefit and to support their learning.
“Playing in a music group benefits the whole child – both language and maths skills have been shown to be enhanced in young musicians," she explained.
"But it’s not just about improving academic results. Almost more importantly post-pandemic, the orchestral experience builds resilience, increases self-confidence and self-esteem, enhances emotional development and develops the skills of teamwork and cooperation.
"At a time when our young people’s mental health has been challenged like never before, joining the orchestra, school band or brass band can help children to stay grounded and develop these healthy life skills which support mental health.”
In addition to the donations that will enable free places, Caithness Junior Orchestra has also been chosen this year as one of Thurso Co-op’s three local causes – alongside Caithness Amateur Athletics Club and Thurso in Colour.
Whenever Co-op members swipe their membership cards as they shop, they will boost funds of all three organisations equally, or alternatively members can use the Co-op app or go online to choose their favourite cause to support exclusively until October 2023.
The junior orchestra’s Co-op project was originally intended to buy new polo-shirt uniforms for every member of the orchestra in order to break down barriers such as affordability, gender bias and social inequality.
But Susie said: “We’re now hoping that through the efforts of our supporters this year we’ll be able to raise enough money to buy high-quality, warm hoodies or sweatshirts, rather than just T-shirts, for each orchestra member.
"This will be a big help to families who are struggling financially and will ensure that every one of our young musicians can feel cosy, warm, valued and included.”
There are no auditions to join the orchestra and string, woodwind and brass players of all abilities aged from eight to 18 are welcome, including beginners. To find out more, visit https://caithnessmusic.com/caithness-junior-orchestra or call 01847 893517.
