The Record - Gordonstoun

the opening of the new courtssped onto the courts for some netball tuition from theirsports coaches. The whole event was witnessed bythe school and the many parents who came along tocelebrate the happy occasion. This was the beginningof what has proved to be a highly successful additionto the facilities around Aberlour House and a sportingasset highly valued by the children. Now the childrenstart playing tennis before school and it is in use untilbedtime. We were all thrilled by the occasion and weare delighted with our wonderful new courts to beenjoyed for many generations to come.Thursday 21 March was a very special day for us aswe welcomed Zara Phillips MBE and Heather StanningMBE to the school to open the new Aberlour HouseCourts. This fabulous new facility was kindly donated tothe school by the Locke family and we were honouredto welcome Alasdair Locke for the day. Heather gavean inspiring speech to our youngsters before she andZara unveiled the plaque. A large pair of scissors waspresented to Alasdair who then ceremoniously cut theribbon to officially open the courts (see centre pages).It was a terrific moment as the eagerly waiting childrenmusical interludesMr Geraint WatkinsMusic at Aberlour House has continued to thrivethroughout the year. There are now eleven officialMusic ensembles in the School, including three choirs,the Pipe Band, several Wind ensembles, a Junior Brassband, Guitar and Recorder groups, the Rock Band anda String group. All of these ensembles rehearse on aweekly basis in designated rehearsal. In addition, 95out of the 110 pupils at Aberlour House have beenattending instrumental music lessons this year, allowingcareful preparation for Associated Board examinationsand various solo performance opportunities.This Summer term has been one of the busiest inmany years. It was wonderful to be invited to performat Dornoch Cathedral in the early stages of the term.The Chamber Choir, Wind Band and Brass groupsall travelled up to Dornoch to be greeted by fabuloussunshine, and performed in a close to capacityDornoch Cathedral. This was good preparation for theend of year showcase which is the Summer concert.Every member of Aberlour House took part in theSummer Concert this year, demonstrating the significanttalents that the pupils have.We are fortunate at Aberlour House to have the useof the fabulous facilities of the Music School and tobe supported by such inspiring instrumental staff. Thechildren thrive as a result of the work that is put in bythe staff and the high quality of the performances thatwe see is testament to this. This year we say goodbyeto Mr Moore Colyer who has been such a wonderfulMusician-in-Residence for the children to look up to,and we are glad that Miss Lewis will remain in thedepartment to continue the good work that she hasdone throughout this year.24