Celebrating Success

Wednesday evening saw ACMS playing a large role in the annual Dyce Academy Celebrating Success Evening at King’s Church, Bridge of Don.

This event is one of the highlights of the Dyce Academy calendar, celebrating academic achievement, service, leadership, personal endeavour and success across the wider school community. It is a privilege for ACMS to contribute musically to such an important occasion.

As families arrived in the glorious warm weather, our bagpipers welcomed guests outside the venue before our Jazz Ensemble created a wonderful atmosphere inside with a lively programme of jazz and funk favourites.

During the ceremony, our Traditional Music Ensemble provided a musical interlude before the evening concluded with the full ACMS ensemble performing The Northern Lights of Aberdeen, bringing the celebrations to a fitting close.

Although performing at events such as this is always enjoyable, the evening represents something much more significant. It is an opportunity for our pupils to celebrate alongside their friends and classmates from across Dyce Academy and to recognise the hard work, determination and achievements of the wider school community.

A huge thank you must go to all of the Dyce Academy staff whose hard work and attention to detail made the evening such a memorable occasion for pupils and families alike.

Congratulations to every award winner, every performer and everyone who contributed to another outstanding Celebrating Success Evening.

Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral

Congratulations to Lewis, Douglas and Athena, who sang at Choral Evensong last Sunday at St Andrew’s Cathedral.

One of the most remarkable aspects of cathedral music-making is the fast pace at which singers are expected to learn new repertoire. Music is often distributed shortly before rehearsal, with little more than an hour to prepare before performing to a high standard during the service itself. The expectation is that singers will sight-read accurately, listen carefully, respond to the conductor, and perform confidently, all while contributing to the worship of the Cathedral.

There are very few musical environments that develop sight-reading, aural awareness, ensemble skills and musical independence as effectively as this. It is fascinating to see the rapid progress made by young singers who rehearse and perform in this way week after week. Quite simply, there is no substitute for this type of musical training.

As this marked the final Evensong of the academic year, I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone at St Andrew’s Cathedral. We are incredibly grateful for the warmth, encouragement and friendship shown towards ACMS pupils throughout the year. The opportunities they provide our young musicians are extraordinary.

We wish the Cathedral Choir a restful summer break and look forward to joining them once again for our combined services at Michaelmas in September and Epiphany in January.

Aberdeen City Orchestra

Congratulations to Athena and Douglas, who performed with the Aberdeen City Orchestra and off-stage chorus at the Music Hall in a thrilling performance of Holst’s The Planets.

Few orchestral works capture the imagination quite like The Planets, and performing this much-loved masterpiece in such a wonderful venue was a great opportunity and an unforgettable musical experience.

The orchestra was on sparkling form throughout the evening, delivering a performance of tremendous energy, colour and excitement that captivated the audience from beginning to end. It was wonderful to see our pupils playing their part in such a significant musical occasion alongside so many outstanding musicians.

Well done to everyone involved in such a memorable concert.

Aberdeen Highland Games

Last weekend also saw Kai representing ACMS at the Aberdeen Highland Games, competing in a full programme of solo piping events.

These competitions are as much about camaraderie as they are about competition and it was wonderful to hear that Kai thoroughly enjoyed the day, catching up with fellow pipers from across the country, performing in glorious summer weather and continuing to build valuable experience on the competition circuit.

Congratulations, Kai, on another excellent weekend of music-making. 

ACMS Junior Performer of the Year

Congratulations to Heather, who was named Aberdeen City Music School Junior Performer of the Year 2025/26.

Each year, all pupils undertake an end of year recital on their principal study instrument as part of our annual assessment process. These performances are assessed by our external examiner, with the Junior and Senior Performer of the Year selected from across the entire school.

The standard of performance this year was exceptionally high, making the decision far from straightforward. Heather’s harp recital, however, stood out for its remarkable musical maturity, technical accomplishment, poise and depth of communication. It was a performance of genuine artistry that impressed both the examining panel and our external examiner.

As part of her award, Heather will present a Junior Prize Winners’ Recital at St Andrew’s Cathedral on Saturday 26 September at 12 noon, where she will perform a selection of the repertoire that contributed to her success.

Many congratulations, Heather.

ACMS Senior Performer of the Year

Congratulations also to Petra, who was awarded the title of Aberdeen City Music School Senior Performer of the Year 2025/26.

Petra’s piano recital was a performance of distinction. Throughout an ambitious and thoughtfully constructed programme, she demonstrated outstanding technical command, musical insight, maturity and artistic communication.

Our external examiner spoke with enormous admiration for Petra’s performance, which represented the culmination of many years of dedicated study and musical growth.

Petra will also present a Senior Prize Winners’ Recital at St Andrew’s Cathedral on Saturday 26 September at 12 noon, giving a wider audience the opportunity to hear the performance qualities that earned her this year’s award.

Many congratulations to Petra.

ACMS Junior Special Achievement Award

This year’s Junior Special Achievement Award was presented to Isabelle.

Unlike the Performer of the Year Awards, our Special Achievement Awards are not intended to identify a single “best” pupil. Instead, they recognise those who consistently embody the ethos and values of Aberdeen City Music School through their attitude, commitment and contribution to our community.

Isabelle exemplifies these qualities.

She approaches every rehearsal, lesson and performance with enthusiasm, determination and an unwavering desire to improve. As both a soloist and ensemble musician, she demonstrates accomplished musicianship while encouraging and supporting those around her.

Isabelle displays great generosity of spirit. She celebrates the success of others, contributes positively to every ensemble in which she performs and serves as a wonderful role model for younger pupils. She cares deeply about the future of ACMS and represents the school with maturity and distinction wherever she performs.

Congratulations, Isabelle, on a thoroughly deserved award.

ACMS Senior Special Achievement Award

The Senior Special Achievement Award was presented to Willow.

During her six years at Aberdeen City Music School, Willow has made an exceptional contribution to every aspect of school life.

As a jazz pianist, she has demonstrated dedication, discipline and musical curiosity, continually striving for the highest standards in her own playing. Alongside this, she has become one of the school’s most dependable and supportive musicians, always willing to help prepare concerts, assist fellow pupils and contribute wholeheartedly to rehearsals and performances.

Willow has also established herself as an imaginative composer and creative musician, regularly bringing together fellow pupils through collaborative projects and original performances. She has been an outstanding ambassador for ACMS throughout her time with us.

As she prepares to begin the next chapter of her musical journey at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, we thank her for everything she has contributed to the life of our school and wish her every success for the future.

Congratulations, Willow, on a richly deserved award.