And what a magical evening it was!

The ACMS pupils took full control: choosing the repertoire, arranging it together, rehearsing tirelessly throughout the final month of term, and delivering one of the most memorable performances of the year.

From Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton, Queen, Paloma Faith and more, plus a fantastic original composition. The concert showcased our pupils’ creativity, skill, and style in a musical language all of their own. It was thrilling to see them express themselves so confidently in a different genre from the classical repertoire they work so hard on throughout the year.

Held in a large venue with professional lighting and sound, the concert had a real gig atmosphere. The pupils dressed in formal evening wear (after weeks of intense wardrobe discussions!) and embraced the occasion fully. A Photo Booth ran all evening with silliness and formal snaps alike, adding to the celebratory feel.

We were especially delighted to collaborate with the Dyce Academy Youth Theatre and Choir for two massed items, conducted brilliantly by Mrs Kirkwood. And a huge thank you to WyldKat, winners of the Grampian Battle of the Bands and recent headliners at Grampian Pride, for joining us as our special guests.

In short: great music, great fun, great friends, great audience. For one night only, we were all popstars!

As we wrap up the year, it’s time to acknowledge the many people who make ACMS such a special place.

To our pupils: Being at a specialist music school is a unique experience and a privilege, but it’s also demanding. The hours are long, expectations are high, and the calendar is full. We hope our pupils leave this year proud of all they’ve achieved, and grateful for the incredible opportunities they’ve had: we are certainly proud of them.

To our parents: The often unsung heroes. Your emotional investment, logistical support, and unrelenting commitment (not to mention those last-minute deliveries of forgotten black shoes or instruments!) mean the world. Thank you for everything... from holding collection buckets to joining our parent council and helping out behind the scenes. Your goodwill is always noticed and deeply appreciated.

To our tutors:  A remarkable group. Every piece our pupils perform has been nurtured and shaped by their tutors: technically, musically, and emotionally. Tutors support our young people in so many unseen ways, and we are incredibly lucky to have such a talented, kind, and committed team.

To Katie Arthur and the Dyce Academy staff: The goodwill and support we receive from Dyce Academy make all the difference. From the senior leadership team to the office, catering, janitorial and facilities staff -  your generosity and collaboration underpin everything we do. Thank you.

To our boarding staff: Led by Jackie Edwards, our boarding team care deeply for our young people, ensuring they’re safe, supported, and in the best possible place to thrive both musically and academically. Thank you for all you do.

To Elaine and Annette: The logistical engine room of ACMS! Planning and coordinating the entire tutor and ensemble schedule, managing trips, communicating with everyone, and ensuring things run smoothly week after week...it’s no small task! Your dedication, flexibility, and care help give our pupils the rich and rewarding musical education they deserve.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the 'Sponsor a Key' at Dyce Academy fundraiser. Mrs Kirkwood is thrilled that so far 19 keys have been sponsored!!!

Thank you!

Here's a glance at our 2024/25 year....in 90 seconds of video!

Autumn

• Choral Evensong 1

• English Song Recital

• Music Hall - Wood Foundation Performance

• St Machar Open Rehearsal

• St Machar - Student Welcome Concert

• Lunchtime Recital 1. at St Andrew's Cathedral

• Concert Performance of Carmen

• Performance at St Peter's School

• Lunchtime Recital 2. at St Andrew's Cathedral

• The Blue Lamp 1

• End of Autumn Term Concert

Winter

• Jazz Come and Play Day

• Lunchtime Recital 3. at St Andrew's Cathedral

• French Song Recital

• Blue Lamp 2

• Trad Come and Play Day

• Dyce Community Centre Concert

• Bagpipes Come and Play Day

• Strings Come and Play Day

• Opera Trip to Don Pasquale

• Lunchtime Recital 4. at St Andrew's Cathedral

• Newmachar Primary School Concert

• Concert for Parkhill Court Residential Home, Dyce

• Concert for Berrymoss Court Residential Home, Dyce

• Solo Cello Performance in Braemar 1

• Solo Cello Performance in Braemar 2

• Solo Cello Performance in Braemar 3

• Solo Cello Performance in Braemar 4

• Beachballroom Xmas performance 1, 

• Beachballroom Xmas performance 1

• Xmas Concert 1

• Xmas Concert 2

Spring

• Woodwind Come and Play

• Brass Come and Play

• Lunchtime Recital 5. at St Andrew's Cathedral

• Technical Assessments

• Cowdray Hall Performance

• Charity Burns Supper

• Italian Song Recital

• Burn's Night for Caithness, Orkney, and Shetland Association

• Choral Evensong 2

• Masterclass at the Cowdray Hall

• His Majesty's Theatre - Jazz Gig

• Blue Lamp concert for Childline

• Nikita Lukinov Masterclass

• Beach Ballroom Spring Concert

• Percussion Come and Play Day

• Guitar Come and Play Day

• The March Concert

Summer

• German Language Concert

• Ellon Rotary Club Anniversary Concert

• St Machar Community Concert

• Leavers' Concert

• Stirling University Jazz Concert

• Stirling Castle - 6 Concerts 

• Bridge of Allen Service and Jazz Performance

• Rotary KidsOut Gig

• The Merry Widow

• ACMS Summer Concert

• End of Year Assessments

• Dyce Academy Performing Arts Showcase

• Summer Prom Concert

Plus: Weekly performance class, and daily 7:45 pm informal concerts.