Aberdeenshire Instrumental Music Service

In our survey we asked:

• Which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• Did you attend any of the AYMS projects?
• What AYMS project you attended.
• Did you get what you expected from the project?
• Are you likely to attend Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions in the future?
• Did you attend the AYMS Concert?
• For your thoughts on AYMS.
• Are you likely to attend Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions in the future?
• For comments from the Young Leaders.
• If there are any other types of ensembles you would like.
• If raising the fees would affect you/your child’s ability to participate.

You told us:

The table below shows the number of pupils in each year group:

The table below shows the instruments played:

Concert Band at Mackie Academy

• 55.2% of AYMS participants attended Concert Band at Mackie Academy.
  • 64.7% felt the number of sessions was just right, 35.3% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

3 things or more that you learnt from the Concert Band sessions:

• Leadership.
• Playing with peers and benefiting from experience of older year groups.
• Building child's confidence.
• The invaluable part of teaching music to the young in schools. The amount of work involved in organising and the amazing relationship between the teachers and pupils. It was a pleasure to hear and watch them perform.
• Enjoyed playing with a large group.
• I liked it when we played as a whole orchestra rather than just myself.
• My daughter became more confident in her playing abilities as she has just started. She also learned what it is like to play in a band.
• My two daughters attended and found it extremely useful to practise and be part of a concert band.
• How to play as part of a band and help younger/less experienced musicians.
• Daughter learnt social skills as well as developing her musical skills.
• How to play different notes.
• How to play new notes and different tempos.
• It was a great chance to play as part of a band and learn about different types of sound, working together etc.
• How to help others.
• Gained confidence performing with a large group.
• Teamwork, patience, discipline, keeping to time.

Junior Strings Orchestra at Mackie Academy

• 37.9% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Orchestra at Mackie Academy.
  • 9.1% felt there were not enough sessions, 72.7% felt the number of sessions was just right and 18.2% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

3 things or more that you learnt from the Mackie Junior Strings Orchestra sessions:

• Confidence.
• Wonderful experience.
• building child's confidence.
• Watching the development in my child’s cello playing.
• New songs and playing in a band.
• I liked it when we played as an orchestra rather than me on my own.
• Dedication, commitment, teamwork, listening skills.
• Working with a conductor.
• Playing in a group and helping the younger students. Would like more challenging music for next time.

Junior Strings Orchestra at Inverurie Academy

• 27.6% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Orchestra at Inverurie Academy.
  • 12.5% felt there were not enough sessions, 50% felt the number of sessions was just right and 37.5% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

3 things or more that you learnt from the Inverurie Junior Strings Orchestra sessions:

• Was a wonderful experience playing with various standards of musicians and different instruments.
• Building child's confidence.
• More progress and loved hearing all the groups preform together.
• New songs, playing in a band.
• Confidence in performing, supporting younger ones, practice opportunity and fun.
• Playing as part of an ensemble. Having fun with other musicians.
• How to be a mentor and assist with younger pupils.

Your Project Expectations:

Concert:

Thoughts from respondents:

• Very enjoyable and worthwhile.
• Would like more band opportunities.
• These sessions are hugely beneficial to the musical development of young people.
• Can’t thank the music department enough.
• It was fantastic.
• Great resource, wish it was every weekend.
• I think this is a very invaluable resource. I was impressed with the way it was delivered and the concert was fantastic.
• Please keep them going, they are excellent.
• When is the next one, and can there be a higher level one in Inverurie please?
• Great opportunity as my daughter is the only child who plays woodwind at her school.
• Some icebreakers and getting to know you type games would have been invaluable for these sessions. It would have helped them to invest in the outcome more and to enjoy the sessions more. My son spent the breaks alone with a book which compounded his shyness.
• Invaluable opportunity, professionally run with high expectations.
• Enjoyed these sessions, would attend again.
• Could we have a senior string group?
• I really liked it.
• We hope they continue, it’s a massive gift to our children. So important for their musical development, brain health and social skills.
• We attended a brass one in May it was very good although my daughter felt that everyone else was far more advance than she was and she could not play at times as had not learnt the notes they were playing. We only joined the school in May 2024 but had we been here we would have attended the AYMS sessions. We would be very interested in attending future sessions at Mackie Academy.
• No but would like to when older.
• I will do this in future.
• Good and well supported for all levels attending.
• My daughter would like to attend some sessions, but they are impossible for her to get to by bus and my husband and I are not home from work in time to take her.
• 31.3% of all respondents said they are not very likely to attend AYMS in the future, 38.9% said they likely would and 29.8% said very likely.

Thoughts from Young Leaders:

• I loved it.
• Really enjoyed the experience.

Musical ensembles you would like in the future:

• Woodwind only.
• I don't know.
• All are good I feel.
• Choir.
• Concert bands.
• Geography is the biggest barrier - especially if a parent does not drive. So a good spread of locations would be good.
• Mix.
• Jazz.
• Yes, is it possible student learning instruments in schools should have school best music instruments playing competitions. This creates enthusiasm in kids to learn, perform well and represent their school.
• More in-school bands and ensembles.
• Small orchestra, string group. Also, the Aberdeen Benedetti sessions were fantastic.
• Just the same.
• Band ensemble and jazz ensemble.
• Guitar ensemble / rock band.
• Fiddle group/orchestra.
• More orchestrated shows.
• String orchestra, full orchestra.
• Pipe Band.
• No it was just right.
• I play in the Inverurie Concert band and enjoy the youth section there.
• An orchestra for intermediate players, approximately Grade 5, which offers a residential week similar to opportunities provided in other council areas.
• Drumming and percussion groups, rock ensembles for non classical instruments..
• Any ensemble form is welcome, but location, location, location??? More peripatetics needed so that travelling, and its costs and inconvenience are more equitably shared.
• My child is not currently interested in playing within a band.
• Yes, I would like my child to go dancing.
• Concert band and strings collaboration.
• Brass band.
• I would like to play classical music.
• Already attend youth orchestra in Fraserburgh.
• Saturday rather than Sunday sessions.
• Orchestra and concert band together.
• Jazz or saxophone ensembles.
• Rock bands.
• Scottish ceilidh type music?
• As stated previously, my daughter would love to play her flute in a band or an orchestra. As we live in Aboyne, she would have to go somewhere on a bus route.
• Senior string group and folk band.
• Jazz band please.
• Smaller strings based one.

Your thoughts on the fee increase:

Based on the data:

We recognise that playing in an ensemble is valuable to you and will continue to organise projects.

Young Leaders placed importance on leadership and mentoring to support younger musicians. The Young Leaders element of projects will remain and be developed.

We will explore ways to develop ensembles which will involve more advanced/senior pupils.

We will work in partnerships with national organisations to offer more opportunities for ensemble playing in different geographical areas.

Fees will increase in academic session 2024/25 in line with the Retail Price Index.

We will aim to offer a greater range of types of ensembles next academic session.

In our survey we asked:

• Which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• What you thought of the suitability of the venue.
• For your comments on the venue.
• If you would take part in the competition again.
• How you heard about the competition.
• If you had any other comments about Scottish Young Musician of the Year.

You told us:

• Pupils from 4 Academies responded.

The table below shows the Academy and number of pupils that responded:

The table below shows the year group and number of pupils that responded:

The table below shows the instrument played and number of pupils that played that instrument:

Suitability of the venue:

• 14.3% said that the venue was Ok, 71.4% said it was Good and 14.3% said it was Excellent.

Venue comments:

• Well set out with plenty of seating, good acoustics, close to local amenities for lunch etc, and good clean facilities.

• It was good apart from the piano backstage with a lid that couldn't stay open.

• Could have been warmer.

Would you take part in the competition again:

100% of respondents would take part in the competition again.

How you heard about the competition:

• 28.6% heard via their School, 28.6% heard via the Instrumental Music Service, 28.6% heard via their Teacher and 14.3% heard via Other.

Other Comments:

• It was a very good competition, well organised and with a good diversity of players.

• It wasn't great with people not showing up and having to wait quite a while but in general was a great experience.

• Helpful staff.

• Judges general feedback good. Disappointed by comment about competition dress code.

• Looking forward to next year's competition.

Based on the data:

We will:

• Continue using two adjudicators if budget allows.

• Feedback this year’s comments to adjudicators.

• Check practice piano prior to the event.

• Include in our correspondence, encouragement to competitors and their supporters to attend the entire day in order to achieve smoother running of the event.

In our survey we asked:

• Which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• Did you attend any of the AYMS projects.
• What AYMS project you attended.
• You to list 3 things or more that you learned from the sessions.
• Did you get what you expected from the project.
• For your thoughts on the current fee of £6.00 per session.
• If you have any other thoughts regarding AYMS.
• If you were likely to attend Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions in the future.
• What other type of musical ensembles you would like in the future.

You told us:

Pupils from 5 Academies and 8 Primary Schools responded to the Survey.

Concert Band - Mackie Academy:

• 50% of respondents attended the Concert Band at Mackie Academy.
  • 36.4% felt the number of sessions was just right, 63.6% would like more sessions offered in future
  • 90.9% felt the music provided was suitable, 9.1% thought some of it was too easy.

3 things or more that you learnt from the sessions:

• Confidence in kids, Passion, Commitment.
• Playing violin in a group and playing together with other instruments.
• Play with others, meet new people, Learn from the conductor.
• Keeping time over longer pieces, remaining focused and following the music, Playing at the correct volume.
• A few new notes, new pieces of music, how to read conductor signs.
• Not sure.
• How to play the pieces, play in a group.
• How to play in a group, Counting, Paying more attention to rests.
• group work, communication skills, teaching skills.
• How to help younger students, how transpose from my instrument to different instruments so I know what they are playing, how to follow more than one piece of music at once.
• Play together, rhythm, conducting.

Junior String Orchestra - Mackie Academy:

• 30% of respondents attended the Junior String Orchestra at Mackie Academy.
  • 66.7% felt the number of sessions was just right, 33.3% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

3 things or more that you learnt from the sessions:

• Confidence, Passion, Commitment.
• New songs, performing in front of the crowd, gaining confidence.
• Playing violin in a group and together with other instruments.
• Playing in a group, about other instruments, Socialising.
• Dedication to practising an instrument - how to play as part of an orchestra - how to follow a conductor.
• How to teach music skills, Posture when playing, Definition of TUTTI.

Strings, Brass and Woodwind - Inverurie Academy

• 30% of respondents attended the Strings, Brass and Woodwind at Inverurie Academy.
  • 16.7 felt there were not enough sessions, 33.3% felt the number of sessions was just right and 50% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

3 things or more that you learnt from the sessions:

• Playing in a group, confidence, meeting other kids who play instruments.
• Child learned how to play in a big group, played to a big audience for the first time and made new friends.
• None.
• New tunes practised, playing in a group, and staying in time.
• How to play in a group, harmony and melody, counting rhythm/timing.
• It was a really great opportunity for my son to take part in an orchestra experience. It has sparked a deeper interest in him. He is very new to his instrument and was not nearly as advanced as most other attendees, which may have been frustrating for them, but he wasn’t fazed, which was great to see. He has volunteered (without any chivvying) to tootle a small tune at the school Christmas show, which is fab! It’s lovely to see his pride in his achievements. Thank you very much for the opportunity.

Common themes from respondents:

• Playing in a group.
• Meeting new people.
• Working with a conductor.
• Commitment.
• Performing to an audience.
• Learning to teach younger students.

Your project expectations:

• 50% said that the project met expectations and 50% said the project exceeded expectations.

Your thoughts on the current fee:

• 83.3% thought the project was value for money and 16.7% thought it was appropriately priced.

Your other thoughts regarding AYMS:

• Love to see this at a greater platform.
• Would like more. Currently there is no musical instruction at Udny Green Primary School so great to see others playing too.
• So accessible having the sessions at Mackie Academy as a hub. Attending 3 sessions is achievable, a longer period would be more difficult to fit with rugby commitments.
• The sessions are a brilliant opportunity, and we are looking forward to attending more in the future. The end of session concert for parents was great.
• Hopefully there will be more opportunities for brass to join more concerts.
• Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to doing it again
• Excellent well led sessions that help pupils progress.
• Very good initiative. Enjoy meeting people from other areas.
• Would like to join future sessions.
• Can we have them weekly as they really motivate me to play.
• It’s fab.
• I loved the sessions provided though I would be keen on the idea of a more challenging group for grade 4 and above.
• More please!
• Great sessions, please continue.

90% said they were very likely and 10% said they were likely to attend AYMS in the future.

Musical ensembles you would like in the future:

• Electronic.
• Possibly ceilidh music but happy with anything I can attend and play in.
• Scottish/ceilidh music.
• Orchestra - string and woodwind.
• Concert band.
• A full orchestra.
• Big band.
• Orchestra with strings, woodwind, and brass.
• Brass band, soul band.
• Maybe a jazz/skiffle type ensemble?
• Brass band.

Based on the data:

We organised more projects for Academic Year 2023/24.

We will aim to offer a greater range of types of ensembles next Academic session.

We will aim to cover a larger geographical area.

Participants would like sessions to continue and develop.

In our survey we asked:

• Which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• Did you attend any of the AYMS projects.
• What AYMS project you attended.
• Did you get what you expected from the project.
• What you learnt from the sessions.
• If you have any other thoughts regarding AYMS.
• If you were likely to attend Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions in the future.
• What other type of musical ensembles you would like in the future.

You told us:

• Pupils from 6 Academies and 12 Primary Schools participated.

• 100% of respondents had attended at least one project.

Concert Band - Mackie Academy:

• 56.8% of AYMS participants attended the Concert Band at Mackie Academy.
• 71.4% felt the number of sessions was just right, 28.6% would like more sessions offered in future.
• 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

What you learnt from the sessions:

• Due to a broken thumb, I was given the opportunity to play percussion which I was so grateful for.
• Focussed study and working with others.
• Loads
• The play was very good but was a little bit short. I think could be a longer peace to play.
• Enjoyed playing with other people and learning new music.
• New music, new techniques, playing in combination with other instruments.
• Reading music more easily. Enjoyed playing with others.
• Playing with other people
• I learned some new notes and met some new people.
• How to play with other people.
• My counting of quavers has improved. I have also learned 3 new pieces.
• Music was a little easy but the skills in playing together were invaluable.
• Coordinate and synchronization
• Child is inspired and enjoyed playing in a large group.
• My sons place in the orchestra and how much he has improved.
• Pupils can learn a lot with regards teamwork, supporting each other and build on existing knowledge
• New music and to have fun playing as part of a group.
• First time attending any kind of class in Mackie; first time taking part in a full band.
• To follow conductor, to keep to time.

Junior Strings Ensemble - Mackie Academy:

• 35.1% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Ensemble at Mackie Academy.
• 69.2% felt the number of sessions was just right, 30.8% would like more sessions offered in future.
• 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

What you learnt from the sessions:

• Playing with a group and more advanced learning
• Confidence
• Playing in a group
• That there should be more regular sessions like before
• New music, new techniques, playing together with other instruments.
• How to do Col Legno
• I learned some new techniques.
• Performance skills, listening skills, dedication to practicing.
• Coordinate and synchronisation
• To play with other musicians

Junior Strings Ensemble - Inverurie Academy

• 24.3% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Ensemble at Inverurie Academy.
• 44.4% felt the number of sessions was just right, 55.5% would like more sessions offered in future.
• 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

What you learnt from the sessions:

• How to play together as part of an orchestra - timing and learning to read music etc.
• Teamwork
• Orchestra skills, playing together is really fun.
• Reduce Stage fright.
• I learned how to teach other members of the group some little things to help.
• Enjoyed learning new pieces and play with others.
• How to count properly when repeating
• How to play better in a group.
• How to play with other musicians

Your project expectations and other thoughts regarding AYMS:

• 55.6% said that the project met expectations and 44.4% said the project exceeded expectations.

• Super sessions, really enjoyable. Kids inspired by enthusiastic staff and youth leaders. Thank you!
• Think it’s fantastic and a big thanks to everyone for arranging and facilitating the sessions.
• Great
• They are great.
• Good fun
• Quite like it
• There should be more like there was before.
• More please
• I loved it and will go next time too!
• This type of ensemble could occur more frequently.
• It’s an excellent opportunity and lots of fun.
• Really good. Nice to see young leaders to look up to. Really fun.
• Brilliant 🤩
• Why have Inverurie and Stonehaven on the same weekend? If they hadn’t been we could have done both instead of having to choose.
• I really enjoyed it!
• It is fun and I enjoy the sessions.
• Brilliant, valuable and a fantastic opportunity for young pupils.
• Brilliant idea. Great for families that it's not every week. 3-week blocks are great
• Great group. Both our kids loved it
• Excellent work
• The joining instructions were poor. More information could have been given.
• Great sessions, great initiative to support a teach the pupils.
• I really enjoyed this, and previously I took part in a similar thing, but it was every week. I really enjoyed that, and I would really like for it to return.
• It would be good if they could be residential, going away for a week like I know friends do in other parts of Scotland.
• Would like to have more like it was pre Covid.
• Really enjoyed it. Helped my daughter to see the purpose of practicing as she has not taken part with a large group before.
• They are great, appreciate time teachers take on the weekend to provide this opportunity and enthuse kids to play more.

• 91.9% said they were very likely and 8.1% said they were likely to attend AYMS in the future.

Musical ensembles you would like in the future:

• Orchestra
• Happy with what's on offer at the moment.
• Senior Band
• Strings group, full orchestra - like at school.
• Combine the brass/woodwind and the strings.
• Full orchestra
• Proper orchestra (strings and woodwind and brass)
• I would like the orchestra to be split into younger and older sessions.
• Ceilidh band
• Not sure
• Any that it can be offered apart from band and orchestra.
• I enjoy the string ensemble, but I am also very interested in folk music.
• Orchestra and string ensemble
• Fiddle Orchestra
• Scottish traditional
• The current one is good as is inclusive.

Based on the data:

We organised more projects for Academic Year 2023/24.

We will aim to offer a greater range of types of ensembles next Academic session.

We will aim to cover a larger geographical area.

In our survey we asked:

• Which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• What you thought of the suitability of the venue.
• For your comments on the venue.
• If you would take part in the competition again.
• How you heard about the competition.
• If you had any other comments about Scottish Young Musician of the Year.

You told us:

• Pupils from 3 Academies and 2 Primary Schools responded.

Suitability of the venue:

Venue comments:

All good but drums were far too loud, maybe a practice room for piano would have been nice

At times we could hear practicing from the warm up rooms

Practice rooms available. Easy parking on Sunday

Would you take part in the competition again:

87.5% would take part in the competition again, 12.5% would not.

Reasons for not taking part in future:

The backing track was not heard due to the limited volume of the sound system which did not compliment the sound of the drums.

How you heard about the competition:

Other Comments:

• 2 judges next year.
• It was a valuable experience however I was disappointed with the limited resources at the venue for certain musicians.
• I think it is a bit advanced for primary school children, however it was good experience. The standard was very high.
• Should have been warned about volume of drums.
• It’s good opportunity for children to perform.
• Great to get chance to perform. She loves her piano & her other instruments but is not looking for career in music. So it is lovely to have opportunity to perform. Common interests - made friends & going to university together which was v good!

Based on the data:

We will:

• Consider using two adjudicators.
• Better forward planning for backing tracks, e.g. set up, sound checks in good time.
• We will now work with Scottish Young Musicians organisation to set up separate competitions for primary and secondary pupils.
• We will research other venues that may be more suitable.

In our survey we asked:

• Who you are.
• Were you involved in any of the AYMS Sessions.
• What you thought of the number of sessions offered.
• Your thoughts on the suitability of the Material/Music provided.
• Did you get what you expected from the project.
• Would you be interested in leading future AYMS projects and if so, what type of ensemble.
• For your thoughts regarding AYMS projects.

You told us:

28.6% of respondents attended Junior Strings Ensemble at Inverurie Academy

42.9% of respondents attended Concert Band at Mackie Academy

14.3% of respondents attended Junior Strings Ensemble at Mackie Academy

100% of respondents said the project met their expectations.

71.4% of respondents would be interested in leading future AYMS.

Ensembles suggested for future AYMS were:

• String Orchestras
• Concert band
• Wind band/Big band/brass band

Feedback included comments and suggestions:

• Participation certificates.
• Communication regarding Lets.
• Look at the most suitable dates within the school year.
• Communication between Instructors.
• More detailed information.
• Positive comments regarding AYMS to date.

Based on the data:

• We have organised similar projects for Term 4.
• We have commenced planning follow up and new projects for the next Academic session.
• We will continue to share information as widely as possible.
• We will maintain levels of difficulty appropriate to participants.

Pictured below is Magnus Shanks from Mackie Academy performing at the Scottish Young Musicians National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow - Sunday 21st May 2023.

Magnus receives tuition with Piano Instructor Blair Cargill. Blair attended the event to support Magnus on the day. Justin Brook, Music Development Manager, was so glad that he was also able to attend the event along with Head of Education, Vincent Docherty, who commented on how impressed he was with the high standard of the competition.

We are all very proud of Magnus’s achievement in getting to the final and performing so well.

More information about the event can be found at: https://www.scottishyoungmusicians.com/

Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer Competition 2023

Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year is a nationwide competition to discover the brightest musical talent in Scotland, open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument.

This year’s Aberdeenshire regional competition took place on Sunday 23^rd April 2023, in Inverurie Town Hall. This year saw the first live Regional event that the Service has organised as last year’s competition was held online.

The Music Service was delighted to welcome Pauline Black FRSA FHEA, Head of Music Engagement and Senior Lecturer, University of Aberdeen to be the adjudicator for the competition.

The audience enjoyed the performances of the 18 competitors who all played extremely well, setting a very high standard. The winner and two runners up were announced at the end of the competition which culminated in a presentation ceremony. Prizes were presented by Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black.

Winner – Magnus Shanks, Piano

Sur La Mer by Léon Böellmann

Runner up – Charlotte Slater, Violin

Piece 1: J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 - 3. Andante (Unaccompanied)

Piece 2: Gershwin arr. Heifetz, It ain't Necessarily So from Porgy and Bess

Runner up – Isla Rippiner, Flute

Piece 1: City Life 2 by Paul Hart

Piece 2: Scherzino by Joachim Andersen

The official accompanist for the day was Blair Cargill, who is a Piano Instructor for the Service and supported the competitors faultlessly. Lindsey Leaf, Music Teacher at Banchory Academy and Julian Rippiner also provided wonderful Piano accompaniments for some of the competitors.

Magnus will now go on to perform at the National Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the year Final, which will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow on 21^st May and will compete with some of the best young musicians in Scotland, for a panel of judges with an international reputation.

These competitions are a chance to develop skills, get performance experience, grow in confidence, and meet other young people who are passionate about music.

Music Development Manager, Justin Brook said: It was both a privilege and pleasure to present the Aberdeenshire Regional Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer 2023. The standard was set at a high level right from the first performance of the day. The event showcased the diversity and talent of the pupils in Aberdeenshire schools. Each and every performer should be very proud of their performance. Thanks also to the schools, instrumental teachers and parents who have given their support to the young musicians and the competition.

You can find out more about the National Competition by following this link: www.scottishyoungmusicians.com

Justin Brook

Music Development Manager

Winner – Magnus Shanks, Piano

Pictured with Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black

Runner up – Isla Rippiner, Flute

Pictured with Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black

Runner up – Charlotte Slater, Violin

Pictured with Councillor Alastair Forsyth and Pauline Black

In our survey we asked:

• Who you were and which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• Did you attend any of the AYMS projects.
• What AYMS project you attended.
• Did you get what you expected from the project.
• Are you likely to attend Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions in the future.

You told us:

• Pupils from 8 Academies and 41 Primary Schools participated.

• 37.1% of respondents had attended at least one project and 62.9% had not attended.

• 46.8% of AYMS participants attended the Concert Band at Mackie Academy.
  • 52.5% felt the number of sessions was just right, 47.5% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 100% felt the music provided was suitable.

• 34.2% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Ensemble at Mackie Academy.
  • 64.3% felt the number of sessions was just right, 35.7% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 96.4% felt the music provided was suitable and 3.6% felt the music was too easy.

• 34.4% of AYMS participants attended the Junior Strings Ensemble at Inverurie Academy.
  • 20.7% felt the number of sessions was just right, 85.3% would like more sessions offered in future.
  • 93.1% felt the music provided was suitable and 6.9% felt the music was not suitable.
    • Out of the two respondents, one felt that the music was too easy, and one felt it was too hard.

• 53.6% said that the project met expectation, 42.9% said the project exceeded expectations and 3.6% said that the project did not meet expectations.

• 39.5% said very likely, 30% said likely and 30.5% of all respondents said not very likely to attend AYMS in the future.

Based on the data:

• We organised further projects for Term 4 (April to July).

• We will aim to offer a greater range of types of ensembles next Academic session.

• We will aim to cover a larger geographical area.

In our survey we asked about:

• Your interest in the Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions.
• Which Groups you would like to attend.
• Your preference on the session durations.

You told us:

• 21.6% of respondents were pupils.
• 79.5% of respondents were parents/carers.
• 50.5% would like to attend Inverurie Academy – Concert Band.
• 40% would like to attend Inverurie Academy - Junior Strings.
• 34.7% would like to attend Mackie Academy – Concert Band.
• 70.5% preferred a half-day session.
• 46.3% preferred a full-day session.

Based on the data:

We organised three separate half-day Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions for February and March.

We put a list of suitable instrumentation for Concert Bands and String Orchestras on this site.