Chess Tournament

A huge thank you to our Boarding team for organising this week’s chess tournament. After two evenings of competitive play, we are delighted to announce that Lewis is our 2025/26 ACMS Chess Champion.

It's wonderful to have strategic thinking, resilience and good humour on display. We are very grateful to Boarding for the creativity and care they bring to the pupils’ wider experience.

St Andrew’s Cathedral Recital at Noon

🎶✨ Bravi to our eight ACMS pupils who performed in the Recital at Noon at St Andrew’s Cathedral this week. ✨🎶

It was a superb lunchtime concert for a warm and appreciative audience. The programme travelled from Telemann and Handel through to Poulenc, alongside Scottish traditional music and more. A rich and varied musical journey in just half an hour.

Congratulations to all our performers for their poise and artistry. Thank you to everyone who came along to support, and particular thanks to Mr Birse and Mrs Kyle for their excellent accompanying.

We look forward to returning to St Andrew’s Cathedral in May.

Masterclass and Q&A with Mike Higgins

🎸✨ We were delighted to welcome bassist Mike Higgins to ACMS this week.

Mike spent time with our rhythm section speaking candidly about his journey as a professional musician, his approach to practice and preparation, and the advice he would offer his 14 year old self. There was much that resonated with our pupils.

He then led an engaging rehearsal of jazz standards, exploring the vital relationship between piano, bass and drums. Communication, listening and shared responsibility were at the centre of his message. It was a thoughtful and energising session.

Our thanks to Mike for his generosity with his time and insight. We wish him every success with his forthcoming concerts and hope to welcome him back before long.

Bagpipe Project Update

You will remember the excellent work Kai and Taylor undertook last year at Newmachar Primary School, introducing younger pupils to the bagpipes. The impact was significant, not only for the primary pupils but also for Kai and Taylor as emerging coaches. The feedback from staff was extremely encouraging.

This term they have taken the project to Dyce Primary School, working with a new group of learners. Once again, the reports have been very positive. It is heartening to read how well the primary pupils are progressing and how much Kai and Taylor themselves are learning about planning, patience and communication.

We are delighted with the way they represent ACMS in the wider community and look forward to seeing the continued fruits of this work.

John Rutter Workshop

We are absolutely delighted to highlight an exciting and rare opportunity as part of the Haddo Arts Season 2026. The opening concert on Saturday 11 April will take the form of a special Come and Sing day led by the world-renowned composer and conductor Sir John Rutter. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful choral composers of the last half-century, Sir John will lead a mixed programme celebrating great choral repertoire, spanning music old and new, and including some of his most recent works. Designed to be an inspiring and joyful day of singing, this event is open to singers of all levels and promises a truly memorable shared musical experience in the beautiful setting of Haddo House Hall. Demand is expected to be very high, with souvenir music included, and tickets will be available from today (27 February) until 15 March at 11 pm. This is a standout opportunity to sing under the direction of one of the great figures of choral music, right on our doorstep, and one not to be missed.

NYCOS

The National Youth Choir of Scotland Boys’ Choir is running a free one-day experience in Stirling on 8 April 2026. Pupils aged 10 to 15 are eligible, with registration at 10.00 am and a performance at 4.45 pm.

NYCOS has provided exceptional musical and social experiences for many of our pupils, and this promises to be an excellent day. It is open to any pupil who enjoys singing, not only specialist vocalists. Boys aged 10 to 15 are strongly encouraged to take up this opportunity if possible.

Early booking is advised as places are limited. You can click HERE

NESPA Festival

Entries open on Monday 2 March for the North East of Scotland Performing Arts Festival. This well established festival offers a welcoming and encouraging platform for musicians of all ages and standards to perform, receive adjudication and gain valuable experience. Many of our current and former pupils speak very highly of their involvement, not only in terms of the constructive feedback they received, but also the sense of enjoyment and occasion that the festival provides. It is an excellent opportunity to set a goal, polish repertoire and perform in a supportive environment. I would warmly encourage pupils to consider entering.

St Andrew’s Cathedral Recital – 7 March

Many of you will know Katherine Williams, a local musician closely associated with St Machar’s Cathedral and a generous supporter of ACMS. Katherine has helped to organise a number of concerts for us over the years, and we are very grateful for her continued encouragement.

Next Saturday, 7 March, she will be performing at the Recital at Noon at St Andrew’s Cathedral, alongside David Smith (organ) and Gareth John (cello). The programme will include a musical setting of Thomas Hardy’s The Spell of the Rose by Roger Williams, another valued friend of the school.

If you are free next Saturday, do consider going along. The recital is free to attend and will last approximately 30 minutes. It promises to be a thoughtful and beautifully crafted performance.