Happening at ACMS ...

ACMS Alumni Cameron Barnes visited us today.

Former ACMS piper and musician visited ACMS today, entertaining us with songs from his current tour and answering question about life in the music business. We loved the song he wrote for his daughter and the audience participation.

As a multi-instrumentalist he has toured the world, teaching and performing with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. He recently founded his own folk / rock band Break the Butterfly, which he fronts. His acting roles with the National Theatre of Scotland include Black Watch, and The James Plays trilogy. He is also a successful recording musician.

At the Town House this morning ...

What a great start to the day! ACMS pupils and Aberdeen City Music Service musicians performed Scottish traditional music to Aberdeen City councillors at the Town House this morning.

Specialist Weekend September 2023

Our first Specialist Weekend of the year was both busy and successful.

Vocal tutor Dr Milne lead a Lieder workshop for the singers and was delighted to be joined by two pupils and their singing coach (Mrs Andrew McIntosh) from Gordonstoun School.

We were lucky to have many of our tutors with us over the weekend. Mr Birse worked on repertoire with the pianists, Mr Maunder with the string players, and Mr Bone with the Traditional group.

Sunday afternoon finished with a small informal concert for pupils, staff and parents.

Performer of the Year 2023

Winners Katya (junior school) and Nadine (senior school)

Well done to everyone who took part in our amazing end of year concert.

Strings Masterclass

This weekend we were delighted to welcome Chris Hoyle, Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music, for a day of masterclasses.

We really enjoyed the day, and learned a lot.

Scottish Young Musician of the Year 2023

This year 6 pupils from ACMS took part in the Aberdeen City heat of the Scottish Young Musician of the Year. All did incredibly well. The winner Nadine is off to the Scottish final in Glasgow in May. Runners-up Julia and Katya very well deserved their awards.

Percussion Masterclass

ACMS ALumni Jack Fawcett and the children's Class Concert Ensemble visited ACMS, running two improvised percussion sessions with all students.

Everyone loved it, and learned a lot.

Wheeler Trophy

This year's winner of the Wheeler Trophy for outstanding musical achievement is Nadine. She was presented with the trophy after the opening of the Jimmy McBeath memorial Concert in Portsoy on friday.