Pupils: 'Let’s make some noise!'

Apr 21 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

TWO lucky teenagers are set to be a smash hit after being handed a dream chance to work behind the scenes at a top live music gig.

Paisley girl Nicole McDonald and Stephanie Still, from Johnstone, have won two of the five jobs up for grabs as part of the Sound Science project.

Sound Science is a gig being staged for fifth and sixth year pupils from across Scotland and aims to give young people a unique insight into the creative process behind a live music event.

Nicole, 17, will be the outside broadcast assistant for the gig, while 16-year-old Stephanie will work as the front of house assistant.

“It sounds like working at the gig is going to be fun but I’m really nervous too,” said Nicole.

“I suppose you could say that it’s scary and fun at the same time.

“I’m still deciding what I want to do after I leave school. I am considering studying acting but I’m also really interested in media production, so this experience will be fantastic.

“I was surprised to find out that media production is so science based. When I think of science, I automatically think of biology and chemistry but that’s not really the case.”

As someone who dreams of working alongside musicians, Johnstone High School pupil Stephanie jumped for joy when she discovered that she had won the chance to work at the Sound Science gig.

Stephanie said: “When I was told that I had won, I was ecstatic. I cannot wait for the gig. I absolutely love music, so I can’t wait to get involved and see how the industry works behind the scenes.

“To be honest, you do not realise the work that people do to get these types of job roles. I would never have thought doing a science degree could lead to being a front of house assistant.”

Stephanie said her ideal career would definitely be related to music.

She said: “It is my dream to work in music and I have always thought this is a hard career to break into.

“This experience will allow me to be one step closer to achieving my goal.”

The Sound Science concert is being held at the City nightclub in Perth on Sunday, April 26.

The teenage audience, who will have won free tickets from their local radio station, will see up-and-coming bands such as The Days and Pearl and the Puppets.

The event is being organised by the Scottish Government with support from a number of radio stations.