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Dear All,
It's been another very busy week for ACMS! Here is a round up of everything we've been doing.
Don't forget that next week is a non-teaching week at ACMS!
Have a wonderful weekend, and a quieter than normal week!
Open Morning
Open Morning
What a fantastic Open Morning! By Thursday evening, we had 13 families signed up—but on the day, we ended up welcoming around 90 people!
Our guests were greeted at the door by ACMS pupils and staff before heading into the MPA for a mini concert showcasing four different musical styles. Pupils then took small groups on tours of our facilities, finishing up in Boarding with coffee, tea, biscuits, and another lovely performance.
The enthusiasm for ACMS was palpable, and this success was down to the incredible efforts of both the ACMS and Boarding staff. Due to its popularity, this event will now be a regular feature in our calendar, likely moving to early October or late September.
Tour to Stirling - 6th to 8th June
Tour to Stirling - 6th to 8th June
ACMS will be touring to Stirling for a weekend of concerts at Stirling Castle!
🎵 Saturday 7th June: Chamber music concerts on the hour, every hour from 10am in various castle locations
🎤 Evening: Full public concert at the Church of the Holy Rude
🎷 Friday night: Jazz/Pop concert
🎻 Sunday morning: Another performance (TBC)
We’ll be staying in university accommodation, and it promises to be a fantastic experience!
Specialist Weekend
Session 1 (Friday)
Session 2 (Sunday)
We kicked off our Specialist Weekend with a fantastic first session, working through the tutti music for our March concert. A great start—well done, everyone!
Sunday saw our first run-through of the March concert. We managed to cover most of the programme, giving us a clear idea of what needs refining over the coming weeks.
A massive thank you to Mr Maunder, Mr Bone, Mr Stewart, and Dr Milne for their help, and to our pupils for keeping their focus through some seriously challenging music, staging arrangements, and programming logistics!
Technical assessments
This week, our S4–S6 pupils completed their technical assessments, with our S6s taking part for the final time!
These assessments, introduced last year, focus on how pupils practise rather than expecting a fully polished performance. Pupils demonstrate their daily technical drills, allowing tutors to provide targeted feedback. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress!
Thank you to our tutors for their ongoing support—these assessments provide valuable insight into our pupils’ development.
Monday Early Closing
A huge thank you to Mr Robinson, an ACMS parent, who went above and beyond by delivering a juggling exhibition and workshop for our boarders after early closing on Monday.
Our pupils were treated to a light show and juggling lesson, courtesy of Mr Robinson and his friend. Thank you both for sharing your time and talents with us—it was brilliant fun!
A special mention to Douglas who is now the 2025 Boarding Table Tennis Champion! Here he is with his trophy basking in his glory!
March Concert Tickets
Don’t forget to book your tickets for our March concert through the Music Hall website. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Parents’ Forum
Thank you to our parents for another engaging and productive meeting last Tuesday. The parental support and goodwill for the school is always evident and the ACMS and Boarding staff are very grateful to have such a keen and encouraging body behind us.
After-Dinner Entertainment RGU Board Dinner
What a brilliant evening at the RGU Annual Board Dinner at The Marcliffe Hotel!
Eight of our ACMS pupils performed a stunning programme spanning Baroque to Pop, and we were absolutely thrilled to receive a standing ovation!
A huge thank you to Robert Gordon University for inviting us—it was an honour to perform at such a special event.
Scottish Young Musicians Competition
The Aberdeen junior heats of the Scottish young musicians competition take place next week and our pupils are involved in the heat on Tuesday at Muirfield primary School.
Burns Supper
Caithness, Orkney & Shetland Association
A huge well done to our two pipers and two singers for providing such wonderful music at the Caithness, Orkney & Shetland Association Burns Supper.
Guests were greeted by a piper playing outside, followed by the traditional piping in of the haggis. After the main course, our singers treated the audience to Scottish traditional duets, beautifully accompanied by Mrs Kyle. A special thank you to Miss Arthur for coming along and supporting the trip.
Guitar Masterclass
Thursday was an exceptional day for our guitarists at Cowdray Hall!
We had the pleasure of catching up with ACMS alumnus Ian Watt, who delivered:
🎼 An insightful pre-concert talk on repertoire choices
🎸 A stunning lunchtime recital
🎶 A masterclass for our ACMS guitar pupils
A huge thank you to Ian for sharing his time and expertise—an inspiring experience for all!
Jazz Sessions
A big thank you to Matthew Kilner for leading two fantastic jazz improvisation sessions with our junior and senior jazz groups. Matthew works closely with Mr Birse, and his insights were invaluable in helping our pupils develop their improvisation skills.
Recital at Noon
Congratulations to our four pianists who gave a stunning recital at St Andrew’s Cathedral Church on Saturday. It was a professional and polished performance, with well-presented spoken introductions and a beautifully prepared programme featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Albinoni, Bach, Khachaturian, and Ramsay.
Choral Evensong
A heartfelt thank you to St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir for hosting us at their Candlemas service. It was a joy to rehearse and perform alongside them.
Special thanks to:
🎶 Richard Coleman for organising the music
🎶 Colin Stewart, our organist for the service
🎶 The cathedral staff and clergy for their warm hospitality
🎶 Our own ACMS staff and Boarding staff for making this trip possible
His Majesty’s Theatre Performance
Four of our pupils will perform in the Terrace Bar at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday evening as part of a fundraising dinner. Best of luck—we know you’ll be fabulous!
Non-Teaching Week
Next week brings a short three-day break for our pupils. Dyce Academy will resume on Thursday and Friday, but ACMS will have a non-teaching week.
⚠️ Please note: ACMS will not be open after school on Thursday. Arrangements are in place for boarders staying on-site.
Scottish Young Traditional Musician 2025
A huge congratulations to ACMS alumna Ellie Beaton for winning the BBC Scottish Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2025!
This is a magnificent achievement, and we are so proud that ACMS has been part of her journey.
Blue Lamp
Some pupils from ACMS will be back at the Blue Lamp on the 23rd of February providing a 40-minute set for a Childline Fundraiser. Please see the poster attached. All guests are welcome.
Adam’s Band – WyldKat
Best of luck to Adam’s band, WyldKat, who are competing tonight in the Grampian Pride Rocks Battle of the Bands!
🎸 First place wins the headline slot at Grampian Pride 2025
🎤 Second place earns a supporting set
If you can, go along and support! (14+ audience, must be accompanied by a guardian.)
Aberdeen music festival
Mrs Smith has emailed out information on the Aberdeen Music Festival—an exciting opportunity for our pupils to perform in a new setting, meet musicians, and gain valuable experience.
If you’re considering entering, please check with your teacher first. Good luck!
Click HERE for info
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