Friday 25th Sept 2026 (130)

Welcome to Week 6

After a well-earned September weekend, we have enjoyed settling back into daily life at ACMS. It is a pleasure to see pupils making the most of their practice time, working together in music and in their academic studies, taking opportunities to perform, and preparing for the busy weekend ahead.

Douglas on BBC Radio 3

At the start of term, I mentioned that Douglas had attended a Rodolfus Choral Course in York over the summer. These courses bring together solo singing lessons, performances and a considerable amount of choral rehearsal. They also call for strong sight-reading and thorough preparation.

Douglas took part in a recording of Choral Evensong that was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday 23 September at 3 pm. Listen to the service HERE .

If you enjoy choral evensong, you can hear Douglas and our other vocal pupils sing at St Andrew’s Cathedral this Sunday at 6.30 pm.

S6 Spotlight Award

Congratulations to Isabelle, this week’s S6 Spotlight Award winner! Our senior pupils chose her for her attitude, preparation and focus in rehearsals. They described her as unfailingly consistent and a wonderful example to pupils of all ages. Recognition from one’s peers is a tremendous honour. Well done, Isabelle!

The 7.45

Our daily ‘7.45’ concerts have rarely begun at 7.45 lately, largely because so many pupils want to perform! It has been especially exciting to see our younger pupils stepping forward almost every day and bringing an impressive range of repertoire up to performance standard.

Inspired by the City of Edinburgh Music School’s Twilight Concerts, we have been exploring ideas for a new name for our end of evening informal concerts. There were many suggestions and, thanks to Annorah, the new title will be the 'Late Night Concert'

Early closing on Monday

Please remember that ACMS activities will finish at 7 pm on Monday, following Specialist Weekend 2.

Coming Up

Specialist Weekend 2, Recital at Noon, Open Morning, and Evensong

Specialist Weekend 2 begins this afternoon, with activities from 2.45 to 5.15 pm.

On Saturday, our Junior and Senior Performers of the Year, Heather and Petra, will each give a 15-minute recital as part of the Recital at Noon series at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Please come along and support them.

Sunday’s Open Morning is shaping up to be a lively occasion, with around 50 families signed up. We will begin with a concert featuring pupil performances and introductions from staff. Our pupils will then lead tours of the Music School, before everyone gathers for tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to chat with pupils and staff.

Rehearsals continue on Sunday afternoon, with music for our March and Christmas concerts taking centre stage. The weekend closes with Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral at 6.30 pm. Our vocal pupils would love to see you there; the service will last approximately 45 minutes.

Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral

The vocalists of Aberdeen City Music School will take part in a Michaelmas Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral on Sunday 27 September at 6.30 pm. With Colin Stuart at the organ, the service will feature music by Stanford, Ayleward, Walmisley and Dering, alongside Psalm 148 and two much-loved hymns. The service will last approximately 45 minutes, admission is free, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.

ACMS Performer of the Year

Prizewinners' Recital

Join us at St Andrew’s Cathedral on Saturday 26 September from 12 noon to 12.30 pm for a special recital by our Performer of the Year prizewinners. Senior winner Petra Šarić will perform on piano, alongside junior winner Heather Terwey on harp, in what promises to be a delightful celebration of two outstanding young musicians. The concert forms part of the Cathedral’s Recital at Noon series; admission is free and everyone is warmly welcome.

ACMS Open Morning

Do you know someone considering a specialist music education for their child? 🎶

Come along to our Open Morning on Sunday 27 September 2026 and discover what life at Aberdeen City Music School has to offer.

Meet our pupils and staff, hear our talented young musicians perform and learn more about the exceptional tuition, extensive performance opportunities and supportive community at the heart of our School.

The morning will begin promptly at 10.15 am and will be presented in a concert format. Please arrive in good time and be ready for the start.

We would be delighted to welcome young musicians and their families from across Scotland. 🎻🎹🎺🎤

📅 Sunday 27 September 2026

🕙 10.15 am

📍 Aberdeen City Music School, Dyce Academy

Click HERE to book

End-of-Term Concert

Join the wonderful young musicians of Aberdeen City Music School for the first end-of-term concert of our 25th anniversary year! 🎶

📅 Thursday 8 October 2026

🕡 6.30 pm

📍 MPA, Dyce Academy

Following a remarkable few weeks of performances at Crathie Kirk, St Margaret’s, Braemar, Westminster Abbey and the City of Edinburgh Music School, our pupils will return to Dyce Academy for an evening featuring music from Bach to Bacharach, with much more besides. 🎻🎹🎤

🎟 Admission is free, with a retiring collection.

Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

25th Anniversary Christmas Concert

Our Christmas Concert has a new home this year! 🎄✨

Join us for the Aberdeen City Music School 25th Anniversary Christmas Concert:

📅 Wednesday 16 December 2026

🕡 6.30 pm

📍 King’s Church, Bridge of Don

Celebrate the festive season with the extraordinary young musicians of ACMS, one of Scotland’s national Centres of Excellence in Music.

Expect an enchanting evening of Christmas favourites, festive entertainment and plenty of opportunities to sing along. Bring the whole family and share in the magic of this special anniversary celebration! 🎶🌟

🎟 Admission is free

❤️ Donations are warmly welcomed

Click HERE to book your place

Please note this year’s change of venue and save the date!

Finally…

After the splendour of recent weeks, this feels like a good moment to thank the tutors, carers and staff whose work happens behind the scenes every day. Their care and encouragement help pupils prepare technically, musically and emotionally for opportunities such as these.

Go Team ACMS!

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