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🎶 ACMS Weekly Newsletter
Dear All,
It’s hard to believe we’re already at the autumn holiday! ACMS has been alive with music, laughter, and a few frantic dashes between rehearsals and classrooms. Our pupils have been performing all over Scotland, from jazz clubs to cathedrals, and continue to impress with their energy, ability, and good humour.
As we head towards the break, here’s a look back at some recent highlights and a few notes for the holidays ahead.
End-of-Term Concert
End-of-Term Concert
I’m frequently impressed by our pupils, but last night’s concert felt particularly special. Over the past few months, we’ve placed strong emphasis on the art of performance, and the results shone through beautifully.
From the moment each performer stepped on stage, their performance genuinely began. Confident introductions, clear communication with the audience, poised stage presence and genuine musical connection...it was all there. The collaboration between performers and accompanists was elegant and natural, and the musicianship outstanding.
A huge thank you to Lu McClintock, whose stunning floral displays once again transformed the MPA into a space of warmth. Many of you will have admired her wonderful arrangements over the past couple of years: they’ve become a cherished part of our concerts. Thank you, Lu! 🌸
Scottish Opera Workshop – Glasgow
Scottish Opera Workshop – Glasgow
Our recent two-day trip to Glasgow with Scottish Opera was an extraordinary experience for pupils and staff alike.
We were moved by the warmth of the welcome and the care with which the entire project was organised: from travel and accommodation to the inspiring rehearsals themselves. The expertise and enthusiasm of the Scottish Opera team were infectious, and our pupils returned to Aberdeen not only motivated, but with a far broader understanding of the musical world beyond their everyday experiences.
The group singing sessions, behind-the-scenes technical talks, and engaging introductory rehearsals gave our pupils fresh insight into opera as a living, collaborative art form. Although the weather forced us to leave earlier than planned (which proved to be the right decision, given the later train cancellations and power cuts!), the trip left a lasting impression.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone involved, from organisers to coaches to technical staff, for giving our pupils such an unforgettable opportunity. We return home inspired and eager for the next chapter. 🎭🎶
Blue Lamp Jazz Concert
Blue Lamp Jazz Concert
🎷✨ What a wonderful afternoon we had at The Blue Lamp Jazz Club!
We were honoured to be invited to perform at the 100th concert of “Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon” (JOASA) - a fantastic monthly event lighting up Aberdeen’s jazz scene since 2014.
Our ACMS House Band, soloists, and vocalists absolutely swung the room with brilliant solos, soulful vocals, and vibrant ensemble performances! 🎤🎹🥁
And to top it off, JOASA celebrated the milestone with a special £100 raffle...AND one of our own pupils won it! 💷🙌
Huge thanks to Dr Milne for her outstanding work with our singers and to Mr Birse for preparing our performers so brilliantly. 👏
An unforgettable afternoon of great music, energy, and joy. Thank you, JOASA - here’s to the next 100! 🥂🎉
Holiday Practice
Holiday Practice
Holiday practice can be a wonderfully thought-provoking topic. How much is too much? When does “rest” become “rust”? And what happens if your scuba-diving boat company doesn’t happen to have a piano on board? 😄
All are excellent questions and worth revisiting regularly.
A few helpful thoughts to keep practice purposeful (and pleasant!) over the break:
• Try to engage with your practice every day. Let action influence mood, rather than waiting to “feel” in the mood to practise.
• Have a plan - it doesn’t need to be formal, and no one will be asking you to submit it for marking! Just know what you’re aiming to achieve before you begin.
• Don’t obsess over perfecting a single scale or passage. Do what you’ve been asked to do daily; excellence arrives through time and consistency.
• Focus beats duration - twenty focused minutes are worth far more than two distracted hours.
• Holiday practice is a gift: no lessons, no concerts, no looming deadlines. Enjoy it!
• Music can be a family activity: ask parents, siblings, grandparents or uncles and aunties to listen to a piece, or even show them how you would practise a tricky bit!
• Listening counts as practice too. If you’re away from your instrument, engage your ears and your imagination - mental rehearsal is powerful.
Music at St Machar’s Cathedral
Congratulations to Willow and Athena, who kindly volunteered to perform at St Machar’s Cathedral last weekend. Both presented 25-minute recitals of the highest standard, and we received lovely feedback from organisers and audience members alike. Well done both - excellent ambassadors for ACMS! 🎻🎷
Piano Fundraising Concert – Dyce Academy
🎹✨ What an incredible evening we enjoyed at the Dyce Academy Piano Fundraiser, brilliantly organised by Mrs Kirkwood!
Inspirational solo and collaborative performances from both Dyce Academy and ACMS pupils filled the hall with energy, all in aid of raising funds for new pianos for the Academic Music Department. 🎶👏
The night ended with a wonderful surprise - ACMS alumni Ellie Beaton and Arthur Coats returned to perform a mesmerising set that captivated everyone. 💖
It was such a joy to welcome them back and see them reconnect with our pupils and staff. Please come again soon! 🎓💫
A Word of Thanks – Mr Dougie Pincock
We’re extremely grateful to Mr Dougie Pincock, who has kindly been working with our piping pupils this term while Mr Duncan has been away. Dougie has made the long weekly trip from the Highlands to Aberdeen and back again (often late into the evening) - and his dedication has had a huge impact on our young pipers. It’s been a pleasure to have him as part of our ACMS family. Thank you, Dougie! 🏴🎵
Kai – Competition Success
Congratulations to Kai, who had a hugely successful weekend at the Burntisland & District Pipe Band Solo Competition, winning awards and trophies galore! 🏆
As anyone following “The Shout” or our Instagram knows, Kai spends countless weekends travelling, performing, and competing. His passion, stamina, and resilience are truly impressive. Well done, Kai! 👏
Katya - Taekwondo Champion! 🥋
Huge congratulations to first-study pianist Katya, who competed in the British Taekwondo Championships in Sheffield last Sunday and won a gold medal!
We’re all very proud of her - a brilliant example of balance, discipline and focus both on and off the piano stool.
A Message from Nhyira
We were thrilled to receive an email from Nhyira, our wonderful former bursary pupil who now studies in Ghana.
She wrote to tell us how much she’s enjoying her musical journey there, and how her time at ACMS continues to inspire her daily. She spoke warmly about the encouragement and guidance she received here and how it helped shape her path forward.
She also says she still reads The Shout every week! 💛
Here’s a photo of Nhyira having theory lessons with Douglas last year - we miss you, Nhyira, and hope you’ll stay in touch!
Competitions
Many local and national competitions have now released their details and application criteria.
These are wonderful opportunities to gain experience, receive feedback from experts, meet new friends and learn from other performers. Applications are handled directly by pupils and parents, as the range of competitions (and their various entry requirements) is vast.
Parents and carers - please review any competition details you feel are appropriate, and then apply! If you need advice, Mrs Smith will be delighted to point you in the right direction and we can refer any specific questions to tutors. 🎻🎹
National Organisations
Another fantastic way to meet like-minded young musicians from across the country!
The NYCOS application deadline is at the end of this month, and the NYOS application deadline is Sunday. Don’t miss out!
Thank You
Thank You
We’ve celebrated so many successes recently, and it’s important to acknowledge the incredible teamwork that makes ACMS what it is.
• Miss Donati and Mrs Smith - for their tireless organisation, inspiration, and good humour.
• Jackie and the Boarding team - for the care and guidance they give our young musicians every single day.
• Katie Arthur and the entire Dyce Academy staff - for their constant support, in concerts and beyond.
• Our parents and carers - for being wonderfully engaged and supportive. Your enthusiasm at parents’ evening said it all!
• And finally, our tutors - whose deep expertise and quiet dedication underpin the remarkable progress we see every week.
We are, quite simply, a very lucky community.
Have a restful, musical, and slightly mischievous holiday!
🎶 Scottish Young Musicians 2026
🎶 Scottish Young Musicians 2026
Aberdeen City will once again take part in this exciting national competition.
• Senior Competition (S4 and above):
• First Round: 12–13 November, Dyce Academy
• Deadline: 31 October 2025
• Entry Form HERE
• Junior Competition (S3 and below):
• First Round: 10 February, venue TBC
• Deadline: 16 January 2026
• Entry Form HERE
Please contact musicservice@aberdeencity.gov.uk with any questions.
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