IT has transformed the lives of more than half a million children...

and now the Big Noise Orchestra could be coming to Glasgow.

El Sistema, an orchestra set up in 1975 to help Venezualan street children, has been operating in Stirling's Raploch housing estate for the past five years.

Members of Govanhill Housing Association were so impressed by the work done with youngsters on the deprived estate that they were determined to bring it to the city's South Side.

Now, one year later, Glasgow City Council bosses will consider a report next Thursday that asks for a Big Noise Govanhill.

Lyn Ewing, chairwoman of Govanhill Community Development Trust, said: "Sistema Scotland does fantastic work.

"When members of Govanhill Housing Association and Govanhill Community Development Trust visited Sistema's Raploch centre, we were bowled over by the dedication of the staff, volunteers and – most importantly – the young musicians."

El Sistema works on the belief that any child can learn to play a musical instrument.

Councillor Stephen Curran, Executive Member for Education and Young People, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the children of Govanhill and I fully support the development of this project.

"Recent research from the Big Noise project in Raploch highlighted the numerous benefits the initiative has had on their youngsters – improving confidence, self esteem and social skills."

Bosses believe the scheme will be transformative in Govanhill where more than 50 languages are spoken.

Janice McEwan, chairwoman of Govanhill Housing Association, added: "The experience in Raploch shows that the benefits for local young people and the wider community could be enormous."

If council bosses give the go-ahead then Annette Street Primary School, Cuthbertson Primary School, Holy Cross Primary School, St Bride's Primary School and Govanhill Nursery School will be involved.

As well as music classes in school and after school, Big Noise also runs an adult orchestra, parenting classes, parent and baby groups and holiday orchestra programmes.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti is one of a number of visiting tutors, including members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk