Fri 20th No. (61)

We’ve reached the end of another wonderful term! It’s been a whirlwind week of rehearsals and concerts, and here’s a look back at our final week of 2024.

Christmas Concerts

Congratulations to all our pupils for two outstanding Christmas concerts! The standard of performance and ensemble playing continues to rise, and it was a joy to see so many pupil-led projects featured.

Rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday went smoothly, and after Wednesday’s performance, we had a productive collaborative meeting. Pupils shared ideas on how to improve the programme for Thursday’s concert, which was a great success.

A huge thank you to all the staff who supported the performances on both nights.

We wrapped things up with a repeat performance of our Beach Ballroom repertoire, capped off with a lively audience participation finale of Feliz Navidad – featuring our own in-house rapper, Gideon!

Special thanks to Jackie Edwards and the Boarding Team for hosting a fabulous post-concert reception with tea, non-alcoholic punch, cakes, and treats galore. Our jazz musicians added to the festive spirit with their fantastic entertainment!

It was a wonderful way to close the year, sending everyone off on holiday with a smile and an earworm that might just last the fortnight!

Secret Santa

Secret Santa was a roaring success! This pupil-run tradition didn’t disappoint. Held in M1, complete with a YouTube fireplace, we had a fully costumed elf and a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself!

A big well done to Freya for organising such a fun and festive event.

Maestro Douglas

Congratulations to Douglas for his guest conducting role at the Grampian Hospitals Christmas Carol Concert at the Music Hall last weekend. He conducted Highland Cathedral, specially arranged for the event by Alan Haggart. The performance was superb and will be broadcast on:

• Monday 23rd December: 19:00–20:00

• Christmas Day: 09:00–10:00

SHMU FM 99.8 FM or stream online http://stream.shmu.org.uk:8000/shmufm_high.mp3

Holiday Practice

I’ve been incredibly impressed with the dedication to practice shown over the past few months. The holiday period offers a great chance for pupils to practise with less pressure and more freedom. While there’s no need to spend too much time each day, consistent daily practice will work wonders for both technique and repertoire.

Parents and carers - feel free to sit in on practice sessions or ask for a quick performance now and then. It’s a great way to keep practice fresh and engaging.

Braemar Performances

The ACMS presence continues to shine at the Fife Arms in Braemar. Well done to Lewis for his excellent performance last Sunday. Best of luck to Freya, who will be performing again this coming Sunday.

First Week Back

We’ll be starting the new term at full speed! Here’s what’s coming up:

• Tuesday, 7th January: Wind “Come and Play” Day

• Wednesday, 8th January: Brass “Come and Play Day”

• Specialist Weekend (10th & 12 January): Repertoire preparation for the March concert

• Saturday, 11th January: S1 Recital at noon, St Andrew’s Cathedral

Thank you

Our Tutors

Thank you for their tireless work behind the scenes, helping our pupils develop technically, musically and personally. Their dedication, effort, and passion makes such a difference to the develpment of our pupils.

The Boarding Staff

The care and support for our pupils - including day pupils - is exceptional. Huge thanks to Jackie, her deputies, and the whole Boarding team for creating such an unfailingly welcoming environment.

The ACMS Staff

Thank you to Miss Donati and Mrs Smith for their indefatigable work ensuring that ACMS runs smoothly.

The Parents

The unsung heroes! Thank you for the endless support, from ensuring practice happens to helping with lifts, forgotten lunches, instruments, and uniforms, and cheering us on at every event. We are hugely grateful.

Katie Arthur and the Dyce Academy Team

We are immensely grateful for the support that Miss Arthur and her team gives us - we simply couldn’t do our work without you.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a restful holiday break. We can’t wait to see you in 2025!

With the warmest of wishes,

The ACMS Team

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