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SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
This page contains articles
written by children who have attended recent SScOT residential courses.
I think I was 11 when I first came to the summer course at
Queen Victoria School, and completely terrified. I had never played
violin anywhere apart from my house before. But I soon discovered
the fun and satisfaction that Junior Strings and Robin could teach me, and
that week gave me the confidence and ensemble experience and enjoyment
enough for me to apply to Douglas Academy Music School. Through all
the next years at SScOT my playing and orchestral skills continued to
develop and grow thanks to the relaxed but wonderful way all the music
tutors helped, and this year I was able to lead the National Children's
Orchestra with no other orchestral experience. My enjoyment of
ensemble and orchestral playing absolutely comes from the fantastic fun
and coaching SScOT provided for me when I was younger, and I would not
have had so much self-belief without it. Thank you SScOT, I'm
missing you already!
Miranda (aged 15, Douglas Academy Music School,
Milngavie, July 2009)
This was the
first year that I have been to SScOT. Before I went I felt a bit
unsure as to what I could expect and was quite uptight and nervous.
These fears soon vanished when I met the staff and tutors who very quickly
put me at ease and made me feel very welcome. I made many friends
throughout the week from all parts of Scotland. I enjoyed playing my
instrument alongside some very talented people and playing a variety of
sports with my friends. I never once felt homesick as the staff were
very approachable and there was always plenty activities to keep me
occupied. The open day gave me the opportunity to show my family
where I had been staying, what I had been doing and they were reassured
that I was having a good time. I was really impressed by my
sectional tutor James who selected some fantastic music for the brass
section. I have never heard any brass players play 'Bohemian
Rhapsody' before. Also the sports leader Jamie was one of the
funniest people on the course. The week went by too quickly and the
concerts on the final day certainly made all our hard work
worthwhile. I would not hesitate to recommend the SScOT course to
anyone who has an interest in music and I am looking forward to returning
next year. Scott
(aged 14 from Caldervale High Scool, Airdrie, July 2010)
I really enjoyed SScOT last week. I especially enjoyed getting the
chance to lead a full symphony orchestra. My
section tutor Peter was really encouraging and the conductor made the
rehearsals good fun. I have made
some good friends through SScOT and am already looking forward to coming
next year which unfortunately will be my last one as I will be 15.
Mairi (aged 14 from City of Edinburgh Music School,
July 2009)
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.
Elizabeth (aged 13 from George Watson's
College, Edinburgh, July 2010) Thank you for organising the SScOT week at Dunblane.
I had the best of times meeting new friends, playing in the sports hall
and swimming in the pool. Of course, the best bit was playing oboe
in a friendly, fun situation. Simon (the oboe tutor) was
brilliant!! I am looking forward to more of the same next year. Andrew
(aged 12 from Fettes College, Edinburgh, July 2010)
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 from American British Academy, Oman, July 2010)
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