🌟 Recital at Noon

Members of the public were treated to a special recital last weekend.

James (accordion) – ACMS Junior Performer of the Year 2024/25

Calum (guitar) – ACMS Senior Performer of the Year 2024/25

Both gave performances of an exceptionally high standard. The audience was spellbound, not just by their technical skill but by their musicality, communication, and stage presence. A huge well done to both!

👩‍🚀 Specialist Weekend

Our first Specialist Weekend was a great success. Musically, we introduced two pieces from our March Concert programme as well as two Christmas works (yes, Christmas music in August:  slightly surreal, but everyone embraced it with good humour!).

This weekend was also an important step for our younger pupils, who are taking on leadership roles: managing equipment, setting up and packing away and, most importantly,  setting the tone with their enthusiasm and morale.

The theme was Sci-Fi, and the costumes were a joy to behold! Joint winners of the Most Fabulous Costume prize were:

Alaina – for her very convincing alien 👽

Hugh – the Mandalorian himself 🛡️

Next time’s theme has been suggested as Fine Art  “Come as Your Favourite Painting.” We can’t wait to see the creativity! 🎨

🎻 Come and Play - Scottish Traditional Instruments

We enjoyed a welcoming workshop and performance with the brilliant Mr Birse this week. Pupils learned, arranged, and performed two well-known Scottish tunes. It was a brilliant opportunity to celebrate our musical heritage together.

🎶 Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral

Our singers joined the choir of St Andrew’s Cathedral for Evensong, a biannual highlight.

The repertoire included:

Canticles by Noble

Responses by Ayleward

Lord, We Beseech Thee by Adrian Batten

S.S. Wesley’s Wash Me Throughly

It was an invaluable experience working alongside seasoned singers and sight-readers, and a chance to develop our own skills. We’re already looking forward to our next joint service at Epiphany in the new year.

🎉 Kintore Street Party

Our ACMS pupils shone at the Kintore Street Party on Saturday:

✨ Heather - beautiful harp playing

✨ Sophie - a sparkling, energy-filled performance

✨ Willow - played wonderfully and handled last-minute changes with poise.

✨ Douglas - supported a young piper, worked seamlessly with the compère, and gave a superb performance himself

A real team effort: supportive, inspiring, and a credit to the school. 👏

🎼 Tutors in Concert - Saturday 6th September

Tomorrow afternoon, The Cargill Trio will perform at Fountain Hall Church, The Stocket, at 3pm.

The trio includes our own ACMS tutors Guera Crockett and Alison MacDonald. Entry is by donation in aid of the Joseph Patrick Fund, which supports children and adults with muscular dystrophy by providing specialist equipment such as powered wheelchairs and adapted computers.

Refreshments and home bakes will follow. Please share with friends and family who may be interested.

💷 Competitions, Concerts, and Bursaries

Mrs Smith has kindly circulated information on local competitions, concerts, and bursaries. These provide excellent opportunities for funding -  from sheet music and instruments to course fees and lesson support.

Several pupils have been successful in securing funding over the past couple of years, so do take the time to look through the details.