SScOT is a fantastic experience for anyone who loves music, making friends and having loads of fun!  I first went to SScOT 4 years ago when I was 10.  I made lots of friends and 3 best friends in particular were the girls I was sharing with: Fiona, Jenny and Olivia.  I had the great experience of being in the Junior String Orchestra under the brilliant tuition of Robin Wedderburn!  The week flew by in a flash and even when the concert at the end of the week had just begun, I was already planning what clothes I was going to pack for next year's course!  I went the next year and had even more fun but unfortunately because of other commitments I had to skip the next two SScOT courses.  I can honestly say my summer holidays weren't the same without going to SScOT.  I went to SScOT again this year.  I was sharing a room with Fiona, Jenny and Olivia like I did on my first SScOT course.  Even though this was my third course, it was still a new experience for me.  I was sleeping in a new building and I was in the Symphony Orchestra this time.  It was harder work but at the end of the week, as I sat in Perth Concert Hall leading the second violins, I definitely felt a sense of achievement.  SScOT is such good fun and really brings your playing on.  The tutors help you through the week and the feeling at the end-of-course concert is so exciting.  If you are doubting coming to SScOT, don't.  EVERYONE makes friends and has a truly brilliant week!  I really do still give it 101 out of 100!

Katie Foster (aged 14 from St. Mary's Music School, Edinburgh, July 2006)

Superb!  Bravo! Excellent!  These are just a few of the words I could use to describe SScOT 2005.  Every second week of the summer holidays I pack my bags and head to Dunblane, and I was especially looking forward to this year's course.  Sure, to many kids it may seem like a chore playing music for a whole week, but I can assure you it is not.  You get to meet a whole variety of people who all play music.  Even the staff all play an instrument.  This was my fifth time at SScOT and it was just as enjoyable as all the others had been.  Besides all the music, there are other activities which run in the evenings, which provide a welcome break.  In general, SScOT is an excellent week away , and it can really help you get along with your musical playing.  So come along, play, meet some new friends, enjoy!   

Ben Earle-Wright (aged 14 from Banchory Academy, July 2005)

SScOT was the best!  No one got sick of playing, even though we were playing about three hours each day!  The rehearsals were great fun.  The Junior Strings learned a few things - Did you know that when you say "Beer can" over and over again it starts to sound like you're saying "Bacon" with a Jamaican accent?  Some of us learned a bit about music too!  It wasn't just music however, we had the option between sport and art during breaks, which were amazing.  All in all everyone had a great week, and I'd definitely recommend it!

Marsailidh Groat Hardy (aged 11 from Fort Primary School, Edinburgh, July 2006) 

I attended the orchestra course in Dunblane in July. This was my second year at the course. I came back because I had such a good time the first year!  It was really exciting to see my friends again. The music teachers are great fun and very enthusiastic about everything. There are lots of activities as well as music. There are arts and crafts, swimming and there was a treasure hunt. I especially enjoyed the ceilidh.  The music lessons are very helpful. I play the violin and I’m at grade 5. The teachers make it really interesting. I learnt lots of new pieces and my technique definitely improved. I was in the Junior Strings and Mr. Wedderburn is so enthusiastic and encourages everyone to play their best and enjoy it. The final concert was fantastic!!! All the hours of practice paid off!!  I’m looking forward to going back next year and I would recommend it to anybody who plays an instrument and wants to get better at music and make lots of new friends at the same time.

The summer week course for SScOT at Queen Victoria School is always great fun, but this year was really special, as it was the 20th anniversary of SScOT.  I was really pleased that I could be part of it, and the memory will last forever.  This was the second year that I have gone and each time I have made loads of new friends and have had great fun.  I really enjoy the music and every time I go I come away much more confident and feel that my playing has come on leaps and bounds.  There is something for everyone in your spare time, like arts and crafts and loads of sports activities, e.g. swimming, tennis, badminton and loads more.  The whole experience is amazing and well worth going even if you have never played in the orchestra  before, so go on, come along, I know I will be there.

Finlay Hargreaves (aged 12 from Roslin Primary School, Midlothian, July 2005)

I have been to SScOT for three years now and every time I go I enjoy it even more.  Everyone is so friendly and really encourage you to play to your best ability.  The teachers are there if you need help and give you little tips on how to improve but don't make you feel bad about not being able to play something.  As well as doing music you get the chance to do sports and art.  These are great fun and let you make tons of friends.  There is always something to do, whether it is practising or joining in with the evening entertainments.  These are really good, especially the ceilidh and staff concert.  SScOT improved my playing a lot and made me much more confident to play in front of people.  I can't wait until next year.

Anna Patterson (aged 14 from Lossiemouth High School, July 2005)