Jazz Ensemble Reaches National Final of Scottish Young Musicians Ensemble of the Year 2026

Open to instruments of all disciplines, the competition saw ensembles from across the country compete for a place in the final, with just 7 groups selected to go through. The final will take place on Sunday 1 March at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland — an incredible stage for our talented young musicians.

This achievement is particularly remarkable given that the Albyn School Jazz Ensemble was only formed in 2021. As one of our thriving co-curricular clubs, the ensemble brings together pupils from P7 to S6, with an average age of just 12 years old. Instruments include saxophone, drums, piano, violin, bass guitar, trumpet and tuba. Rehearsing twice a week, the group has shown outstanding commitment, enthusiasm and musical growth in a short space of time.

The national final marks the beginning of what promises to be a busy and exciting month for the ensemble. Upcoming performances include a recital at the Cowdray Hall Lunchbreak Concert Series on 26 February and an appearance at the Aberdeen Jazz Festival on 22 March, offering plenty of opportunities for the wider community to see this incredibly talented group in action.

Our Jazz Ensemble leader Miss Addison said:

“They’ve put in so much time and energy, and it’s amazing to see it all paying off. The best part is that they’re getting to take their music beyond the school gates — playing to real audiences, in brilliant venues, and soaking up what live performance is all about.”

We wish the ensemble every success in the national final next month. The entire Albyn School community will be cheering them on — every note of the way!