The Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust (SScOT) has been running non-auditioned residential courses in orchestral and wind band playing for children aged 9-15 during the summer holidays since 1984.
Over this time we have built up a reputation for excellent teaching in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere, with participants returning year after year. These summer courses now attract at least 80 children each year from all over Scotland and beyond. Learn more about our summer courses here.
We also hold two Play Away Days each year – single day events where children aged 8 and above join forces to form a wind band and a string orchestra in a day, culminating in a concert for family and friends. Learn more about our Play Away Days here.
“SScOT was one of the best experiences of my life!”
2016 summer course participant
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
It is well known that group music-making has many personal and social benefits as well as musical ones, and our courses give children the opportunity to meet like-minded people from all over Scotland and elsewhere, whilst developing personal qualities including a sense of responsibility, self-awareness, self-esteem and the ability to work as part of a team.
We believe whole-heartedly that music-making should be encouraged at all levels, and we aim to support all young musicians, whether they plan to study music at college, at school or at home, or are just starting out on their musical journey. There are social and emotional benefits of playing music in a group at all levels, and we hope to develop an ongoing passion in those who will become the performers, audiences and supporters of the arts in the future.
Unlike many holiday music courses, we do not audition, and we accept all applicants who fit the age criteria and are able to play at grade 2 standard or above. Our aim is to challenge all participants at their own level, and to build on their own motivation and enthusiasm. Our instrumental tutors are all extremely experienced in group teaching at different levels.
WHO WE ARE
SScOT is run by a dedicated team of Trustees, and a management committee made up of parents and staff that determines the activities of the organisation. The day-to-day running of the organisation is carried out by our Director, Arlene Macfarlane
HON PATRONS
- John Wallace
- Mark Forkgen
- Robin Wedderburn
HON PRESIDENT
- Donald Runnicles, OBE
HON VICE PRESIDENT
- Hilary Davan Wetton
TRUSTEES
- Robert Baxter
- Neil Metcalfe
- Jean Murray
- Gavin Pettinger
- Philip Rossiter
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
- Chris Turley (chairman)
- Belinda Hawes
- Claire Mackie
- Joanna Petrie
- Vaughan Townhill
DIRECTOR
- Arlene Macfarlane
Information about our musical staff is available on the individual course pages.
Arlene Macfarlane
Arlene studied Trombone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she graduated with a BMus Degree in Performance with Honors of the First Class, obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance with Distinction, and holds a Master of Music with Distinction.
Following on from her studies, Arlene was appointed as Sub – Principal Trombone of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales where she spent five years. Arlene’s other professional work includes appearances with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Opera, RTE Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
With a passion for music education, Arlene relocated back to Scotland and has held teaching posts for all of the Ayrshire Music Services and currently works for East Ayrshire Music Service.. She is also Lower Brass Instructor for the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain and musicianship tutor and brass specialist for the Benedetti Foundation.