School News

The sound of Christmas filled Perth Concert Hall last Thursday as Crieff’s Morrison’s Academy brought its school community together for a magical night of music and celebration. From Primary 1 performers to senior ensembles, almost 300 pupils took to the stage to share their talents with an audience of family and friends at the school’s annual Christmas Concert. 

This year’s show opened with a strong line-up featuring the Senior Pipe Band, P1-3 Choir and the school’s Guitar Group. Performances from the Primary Choir, folk and rock groups, and orchestral and percussion ensembles demonstrated the range of opportunities available across the school.

The second half delivered more standout moments with MOJO, the Sister Act cast, the Sassy Lassies, S4 Band, The Ferntower Ensemble, Feoras, and Senior Guitar Group. A particularly poignant moment was the Senior Choir’s performance of Silent Night, sung by candlelight, and assisted by CCF cadets and school captains reading diary extracts from soldiers in the First World War. The evening closed with a powerful finale that brought the entire auditorium together, uniting every choir and instrumentalist on the stage and giving pupils of all ages their moment to shine.

Phil Kennedy, Director of Music at Morrison’s Academy said, “At Morrison’s Academy, we believe deeply in the power of music – not just as performance, but as connection. Music flows throughout our community and whether in the classroom, at concerts, or simply singing together on the sports buses, music allows us to express what words cannot: emotion, memory and meaning.

“Pupils have worked with dedication, enthusiasm and care to put on a show that reflects the joy of Christmas. Including parents and staff, there were close to 300 performers on stage. As always, our programme showcases the rich variety of music-making that takes place each week at Morrison’s Academy, encouraging every pupil to discover their passion and maintain a lifelong love of music.”

The concert marked the culmination of an exceptional year in music for Morrison’s Academy. The Pipe Band travelled to South Africa for an incredible tour featuring joint performances with other bands and took part in a special performance with Ewan McGregor for his television programme Long Way Home, as well as participating in the annual CCF Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle, the Crieff Highland Games and the Crieff Remembrance event. 

The school’s musicians performed at Dunkeld Cathedral, the annual Rector’s Recital, the Spring Music Concert, the Primary Music Evening and Perform in Perth, among other events. Senior musicians continue to secure places at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and prestigious musical theatre colleges.

Andrew McGarva, Rector, added: “The Morrison’s Academy Christmas Concert is always a highlight of our school calendar and the wonderful venue of the Perth Concert Hall makes the occasion even more special for our pupils and our wider school community.

“Music sits at the heart of life at Morrison’s Academy. It brings our community together, nurtures confidence and creativity and gives our pupils a meaningful way to express themselves. The weeks of rehearsals leading up to last night required commitment and teamwork, and it was a joy to see that dedication shine on stage.

“I would like to thank Mr Kennedy and the Music Department team, along with our many talented instrumental teachers, for their hard work and guidance – and of course our parents, whose continued encouragement helps pupils to practise and deepen their love of music.”

This year’s concert was supported by headline sponsor Redwood Wines.