Hello everyone,
Aside from a wee bit of unexpected drama (it wouldn’t be an ACMS week without something keeping us on our toes), things have been a little calmer than usual. With the in-service day on Friday, it’s also been a slightly shorter week for pupils and staff. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to.
Water Issues
The burst water main affecting Dyce and the surrounding area caused quite a stir early on Tuesday morning. Much of the community lost access to water, and Scottish Water worked throughout the day to repair the issue.
This created challenges across Dyce Academy, Boarding, and for many of our local families. A huge thank you to staff across Dyce Academy, Boarding, and ACMS for adapting quickly and ensuring the school day (and ACMS) ran as smoothly as possible.
And an extra big thank-you to our boarders and their families for their patience and good humour during a challenging day.
French Language Concert
We were all looking forward to the French Language Concert on Tuesday evening; however, with the water disruption, we had to postpone. We will confirm a new date very soon....merci for your understanding!
Scottish Young Musicians Aberdeen Heats (Senior)
We were delighted to welcome Aberdeen City Music Service to ACMS and Dyce Academy this week for the Senior Aberdeen Heats of the Scottish Young Musicians Competition.
Our senior pupils were heavily involved in preparations leading up to the heats, and it was wonderful for staff and our younger pupils to see their professionalism, calmness, and musical maturity in action. It’s always encouraging to hear pupils reflect positively on their own performances too.
The heats took place over two evenings and involved talented young musicians from across Aberdeen who applied to take part or compete. Our pupils should be rightly proud of themselves for their work both on and off the stage.
Theory Exam
It was a pleasure to open our doors for an ABRSM written theory exam session this week. While Grades 1–5 are now online, Grades 6–8 remain written papers, and it has been quite some time since ACMS has hosted one. We are delighted to offer our pupils this opportunity once again, and we’re excited for those who are sitting and preparing for their exams.
Remembrance Day
On Tuesday, we paused our usual ACMS activities to observe the two-minute silence together.
A big thank-you to Kai H. for reading so beautifully from The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
We also took a moment to learn about Piper Daniel Laidlaw, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his remarkable courage and presence of mind during the Battle of Loos in 1915. A moving reminder of bravery in its many forms.
Scottish Young Musicians Junior Prize
Entries are now open! The deadline for submissions is Friday 16 January, with the heats taking place on 10 February 2026. Do encourage your young musicians to take part.
Entry Form HERE
St Andrew’s Cathedral Lunchtime Recital
Our next recital will be held on Saturday 22 November at noon in St Andrew’s Cathedral.
Admission is free, and friends and family are warmly welcome. The recital will last around 30 minutes... perfect for a musical Saturday outing.
Christmas Concerts
A gentle nudge to book your Christmas concert tickets - they’re always a highlight of the year, and we look forward to seeing you there in the final week of term!
ACMS will be performing in the Beach Ballroom on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th December 2025. The concerts are hosted by the Aberdeen City Music Service, and ACMS will have a solo moment in those concerts as well as collaborating with all musicians for the finale.
Tickets are now available on the Beach Ballroom site. If you would like to book tickets, please book them HERE
Thank you, as always, to everyone who makes ACMS the warm, vibrant, slightly magical place that it is.
Have a lovely weekend, and we’ll see you next week.