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This page contains articles written by children who have attended recent SScOT residential courses, and their parents.

Once again, a very sincere thank you for the happy, fulfilling week Melissa has just spent with SScOT in Dunblane. She had a wonderful time, meeting new people, making new friends, struggling and succeeding with new musical challenges - just basically revelling in the teamwork and togetherness. The results in Stirling yesterday were astounding!! The concerts were breathtakingly good, and the best of all to see was the support and esteem and camaraderie so evident between participants, assistants, tutors and conductors.

This summer was my first experience of the music course in Dunblane. I wasn’t sure what to expect, although whenever I did hear anything about it, it was always a good thing. Before I went on the camp, I only knew 2 of the course participants but when I came back, I knew practically everyone that took part. It was incredibly easy to make friends, because we all had something in common. Whether it was rehearsal, break, or mealtime, it was difficult to find someone who was not smiling – well, other than Mel, who was suffering from a bad cold at the time. There was barely ever a dull moment, for we were always kept busy, whether it was sport, art, or practising music, and when there was one, someone would tell a joke and gleefully lighten the mood. The facilities at the school were well kept, from the chapel to the swimming pool, and at least there was always a place to hide indoors when the rain came, which was a common occurrence. There was never any stress to get things done, as the teachers were really friendly and not too strict. Overall, the course was thoroughly enjoyable, and it is something that I would like to take part in again in the future.

A huge THANK YOU for organising the week in Dunblane. Tara had such a great time and we were utterly impressed by the high standards of playing. Thanks to all the staff who made this experience possible.

Mother of Tara (aged 12, Bell Baxter High School, Cupar, July 2011)

I came to Scotland from Oman, to see family. My cousin Susannah, who lives in Edinburgh, and I went to Dunblane for SScOT. When I first arrived, there was a little voice in my head screaming with excitement. When we got in to the Main Hall, we didn't do any hanging around, we got straight to it. So we all set off to our little groups to practise, (I was in the horn section with a Tenor Horn). After that we went to our house and got shown our rooms, they were lovely and spacious. I shared with my cousin, a trumpeter and another trumpeter, Kirsten, who we both made good friends with. I was in a great wind band and the conductor was brilliant. We played some really funky pieces like the Simpsons, Baby Elephant Walk and In the Mood, as well as some classical music. Everybody played in a big orchestra at the end and that was huge fun. Just to let you know the food is absolutely delicious. If your summer is free and you love music then that is the place for you. The performance was amazing at the end of it all and I was very proud of myself.

Zara (aged 11 , American British Academy, Oman, July 2010)

Just a short note to say how much Morgan enjoyed the week. We thought after 2 or 3 days she would be a bit homesick, but not a bit of it. There was clearly so much activity that she has even taken two days to provide all the detail. The concert was also wonderful. We were so impressed with what had been achieved with a week's teaching. Excellent organisation and excellent results.

Parents of Morgan (aged 10, St. George's School, Edinburgh, July 2011)