🌟 NYCOS at the Lammermuir Festival

Congratulations to Sophie, who performed with the NYCOS National Girls Choir at the Lammermuir Festival in Dunbar.

The group, conducted by Christopher Bell, performed Carnival of the Animals (Saint-Saëns, arr. Gwyn Arch), accompanied by pianist Hebba Benyaghla, with narration by Francis Church.

Alongside Carnival, the programme also featured Sally Beamish’s Three Cat Songs.

It’s inspiring to see ACMS pupils taking part in national ensembles: wonderful music, wonderful opportunities!

🎻 Benedetti Sessions

Isabelle and Oliver travelled to Glasgow for the Benedetti Sessions (13-14 September).

Isabelle, in the Advanced Orchestra (post-Grade 7 level), explored expression, storytelling, freedom in playing, sound production, improvisation, and technical challenges.

Oliver, in the Intermediate Orchestra (Grades 4–6), tackled two specially prepared works alongside the massed beginner and advanced ensembles.

🎷 Jazz and Jam at the Blue Lamp

Well done to our pupils who joined the Jazz and Jam session at the Blue Lamp last Saturday.

Tutors Mr Birse and Mr Kilner performed with an outstanding professional ensemble to a packed audience, before the floor was opened for young players and jazz enthusiasts to jam on stage. Wonderful to see ACMS pupils stepping up with such confidence, and lovely to spot so many alumni in the audience too!

🎺 Moray Concert Brass

Alaina had the pleasure of taking part in a workshop with Greg Spencer at the Moray Concert Brass weekend, finishing with a performance at Elgin Parish Church.

✨ Evensong

Athena joined the choir of St Andrew’s Cathedral Church for Evensong on Sunday. The service included Murrill in E, Smith Responses, and Wood’s O Thou The Central Orb. A moving and memorable experience.

🎶 Northern Meeting Piping Competition - Inverness

Congratulations to Kai, who competed at the prestigious Northern Meeting Piping Competition in Inverness last Friday.

This world-renowned competition attracts elite pipers from across the globe, with entry limited to the very highest calibre. Kai’s participation in such a demanding event is a fantastic achievement and excellent preparation for senior-level competitions ahead. 👏🎶

🎼 Aberdeen City Orchestra Youth Ensemble

It’s wonderful to see so many ACMS pupils signing up again for the Aberdeen City Orchestra Youth Ensemble, with rehearsals already underway for Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

🎶🍹 Music & Mocktails at St Machar’s Cathedral

Huge congratulations to our ACMS Jazz Quartet, who brought sparkle and swing to St Machar’s Cathedral at the Music & Mocktails evening. This annual event welcomes new university students with jazz, community, and (of course) delicious mocktails!

Thank you to Mr Birse for preparing our players so brilliantly, and to St Machar’s for inviting us back again this year.