The dress rehearsal is always a special milestone in the lead-up to a major performance. By this point the notes are learned and the memorised sections complete, and the rehearsal becomes less about individual preparation and more about understanding how each performer fits within the wider musical picture.

A large part of the rehearsal focuses on logistics: timing, stage movement, listening to others, and understanding how one’s own role contributes to the overall musical vision. It is also often the first moment when performers begin to feel the real nerves of performance. The stage lights are on, peers and staff are watching, and the atmosphere begins to resemble the concert itself.

There was a wonderful buzz in the air as rehearsals began on Monday afternoon, and the entire session went extremely well. Pupils brought not only excellent preparation but also a strong sense of working for the group. It was a genuine pleasure to hear the encouragement and support they gave one another throughout the rehearsal.

It was also lovely to welcome back our bursary cohort, who joined us for the final section of the programme before sitting in on the feedback session and then joining the ensemble again for a final run of the finale.

By the end of the rehearsal, every pupil left with a clear understanding of what they needed to do both musically and logistically, and with a strong appreciation of how their contribution supports the performances of others.

The high quality of the rehearsal was entirely down to the pupils themselves and the energy and focus they brought to the evening. All the staff involved in organising this concert are immensely grateful to them.

The March Concert is finally here!

We are hugely excited to spend the day tomorrow in the wonderful surroundings of Aberdeen Music Hall, rehearsing and performing this year’s programme. It is always a special moment for our pupils to perform in this  world-class venue.

We look forward to welcoming many of you in the audience and cannot wait to share the music we have been working on over the past weeks and months.

A couple of practical reminders:

      •     Pupils will remain backstage during the interval and will not be meeting parents at that point.

      •     After the performance, all pupils will help pack the van before signing out with a member of staff.

Packing the instruments and equipment is a very quick process when the whole school helps, and we are grateful to parents for waiting a few minutes at the end while this is completed. Being part of the team effort before and after concerts is an important aspect of learning how large musical groups operate, and we are grateful for everyone’s support in maintaining this tradition.

As is a long-standing ACMS tradition following the March Concert, the school will close at 5.00 pm on Monday. This allows pupils and staff a moment to catch their breath after such a busy period of rehearsals and performances,