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Dear All,
What fabulous weather we are having! Blue skies, warm days, and trees in full blossom. It has certainly lifted the mood across ACMS. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and what lies ahead.
ACMS Programme
ACMS Programme
The public exam period brings a slightly different rhythm to ACMS life, particularly for our senior pupils, whose musical commitments are understandably reduced. This creates a valuable opportunity to focus more closely on our younger musicians.
Recently, we have been working on:
* Sight-singing and aural awareness
* Linking theory knowledge directly to practical music-making
* Understanding harmony through singing and ensemble work
It has been remarkable to see how quickly pupils are grasping these concepts and applying them in meaningful ways.
We have also been exploring performance practice, particularly the value of informal performance. These opportunities are not about perfection, but about understanding what changes when performing under pressure. Learning why something works in the practice room but feels different in front of an audience is an essential part of musical development.
Alongside this, rehearsals for summer repertoire are well underway, with a lighter focus on pop and jazz styles. We look forward to sharing the results of this work at the end of the Leavers’ Concert in June and at our Summer Prom in July.
Saxophone Masterclass
Saxophone Masterclass
We were delighted to welcome Andrew Somerville, Professor of Saxophone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, who kindly offered to give a masterclass while travelling through the area to work with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.
It was far too good an opportunity to miss, and we were equally pleased to open the session to local players. Saxophonists joined us from the Aberdeen City Music Service and the North East of Scotland Music School, making this a genuinely collaborative event.
It was a thrill to see so many young musicians working together, sharing ideas, and making new connections. The session also offered a valuable insight into conservatoire-level teaching and expectations, as well as an opportunity to showcase the strength of musical talent in the North East.
Congratulations to all who took part.
Many thanks to Colin Stuart for his excellent accompanying throughout the day, and to Mr Maunder for his support in running the event.
Exams
Public exams are now well underway, and it has been a pleasure to see our pupils managing their time so effectively. There has been a good sense of shared purpose, with pupils revising together, supporting one another, and communicating well with staff.
It has been particularly encouraging to see our more experienced pupils offering guidance to those sitting public exams for the first time. These are unusual weeks in the school calendar, and the way our pupils are navigating them is a credit to all of them.
We wish everyone the very best as exams continue.
Non-Teaching Week
Next week is a non-teaching week for ACMS. There will be no formal lessons or ensemble rehearsals.
* Pupils in S1 to S3 will be involved in Activities Week
* Pupils in S4 to S6 will continue with their exams
The ACMS area will be open during the school day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with staff on site. Any pupils who are in school are very welcome to come in and practise. The area will close at the end of the school day.
P7 ACMS Induction
On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new S1 pupils and their families following successful auditions.
The afternoon included:
* An academic tour of the school led by Mr Hose
* Time in Boarding to discuss academic progression and subject choices
* An introduction to our music library, festivals and competitions, and daily life at ACMS with Mrs Smith and Miss Donati
* An opportunity to speak with Jackie Edwards about Boarding
* A short presentation on the ACMS programme
It was a pleasure to meet such enthusiastic pupils and supportive families. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them formally in August.
Many thanks to Mr Hose and all staff involved in delivering such a warm and informative event.
Leavers’ Concert
A date for your diary:
Thursday 4 June 2026
MPA, Dyce Academy
Our annual Leavers’ Concert is a special occasion where we celebrate and say farewell to our S6 pupils. A ticket request form will be circulated shortly.
Thank you, as always, for another excellent week. We hope there is time for a little rest over the coming days, and we wish our exam pupils continued success. We also hope Activities Week is thoroughly enjoyable for those taking part.
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