Welcome to Week 8!!!
What a term it has been! Our pupils have performed at a remarkable range of events, worked hard and rounded everything off with a wonderfully memorable End of Term Concert. There has certainly been no shortage of music, energy or reasons to feel proud.
As we prepare for a change of pace over the next fortnight, here is a look back at the last few days, along with something festive to look forward to.
Huge congratulations to all our pupils for Thursday evening’s Autumn End of Term Concert.
The audience enjoyed a wealth of musical talent and variety, including music for two harps, piano duets, opera arias, duets and trios, jazz favourites and chamber music. The evening culminated in a complete Bach motet: quite a finale to a busy term!
A special shout out to our S1 pupils, who stepped forward to perform after only a few weeks at ACMS. Performing in a new school takes courage, and we were delighted to see them embrace the opportunity. Thank you, too, to our S6 pupils, who hosted the evening with warmth and confidence.
Behind every concert is a considerable amount of preparation, encouragement and practical support. To our staff, tutors, parents, carers and all the unseen heroes who helped bring the evening together...thank you.
A warm welcome at Springfield Church
Congratulations to our six performers, who shared their music with the Aberdeen Springfield Seniors’ Club at Springfield Church on Wednesday.
This much-loved annual visit is always a pleasure. Our pupils presented music by Chopin, Arthur Sullivan, Satie and Herbie Hancock to an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience.
Thank you to everyone at the Springfield Seniors’ Club for making us feel so welcome. We look forward to returning!
S6 Spotlight Award
Well done to Oliver, this week’s recipient of the S6 Spotlight Award.
Our S6 pupils particularly enjoyed both his informal and formal performances last week, recognising his work on his principal and second-study instruments, as well as a third instrument which he learns in his own time. His curiosity and enthusiasm are lovely to see.
Wonderful to be recognised by your peers. Bravo, Oliver!
Trumpet inspiration in Elgin
Last weekend, Alaina enjoyed a fantastic trumpet workshop led by Andrea Tofanelli, with members of Moray Concert Brass, at Elgin Parish Church.
It is always good to hear about our pupils exploring musical opportunities beyond ACMS. With several heading off to perform or work with ensembles during the holiday, this is another example of the experiences available to young musicians, and the enthusiasm with which our pupils embrace them.
Sunday morning at St Andrew’s Cathedral
A big well done to Douglas and Lewis, who took part in Sunday morning’s service at St Andrew’s Cathedral. This was a special occasion, with members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts attending as part of their Fall Field Tour of Duty. They may have travelled a long way, but their splendid dress uniforms certainly made it into the suitcases!
St Andrew’s has a longstanding connection with the United States and its transatlantic friendship has deep roots, making Sunday’s visit particularly fitting.
We are delighted to be working with Fyvie Castle and the National Trust for Scotland on a Christmas concert on Thursday 19 November, from 6.00 to 8.15 pm.
Our vocalists and harpists will perform Benjamin Britten’s beautiful A Ceremony of Carols in the first half, followed by a selection of Christmas favourites in the second. With wonderful music and such an atmospheric setting, it promises to be a lovely way to begin the festive season.
Please do join us!
Tickets: Click for booking link
The holiday offers a chance to enjoy music at a different pace. With fewer immediate deadlines, there is time to revisit a favourite piece, explore something new or give a tricky passage some patient attention.
Aim for regular, meaningful engagement with your instrument or voice. A manageable session with a clear purpose can be rewarding: choose a small goal, work thoughtfully and notice what improves. Slow practice, careful listening and working on short sections can all help. Finish with something you enjoy playing or singing, too.
If you are away from your instrument, there are still plenty of ways to keep your musical mind active. Listen to different performances of your repertoire, follow a score, clap rhythms, sing phrases or make a few notes about ideas you would like to try when you return.
Make space for rest, fresh air and time with family and friends. Recharging is part of being a musician too!
Coming Up
Aberdeen City Music School will be performing Thursday 19th November at Fyvie Castle's Gallery Room celebrating their 25 year anniversary.
Join the ACMS harpists and vocalists performing Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols in Fyvie Castle's wonderfully resonant space - the Gallery Room.
Afterwards, join in for an informal, “come and sing” Christmas session creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
Refreshments available before, during and after the event.
18.00 - Arrival and all to be seated for start of concert
18.30 - Concert begins
Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols
19.30 - Sing along to Christmas favourites
20.15 - End of concert and refreshments
20.30pm - Close and departure
Tickets: Click for booking link
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!
Thank you.
As the term draws to a close, thank you to everyone who makes ACMS such a special place. Our young musicians benefit from remarkable opportunities and a community that supports them with care, generosity and encouragement.
To our staff, tutors, parents, carers and supporters: thank you for everything you do.
Have a lovely autumn holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for the music ahead.
KK