Abingdon School Music Society (ASMS) is the parent body which supports musical life at Abingdon School. The committee is formed of parents of pupils across all year groups, and we meet at the start of each term to discuss future musical events and which projects we can help fund.
We raise funds in the following ways:
- An annual donation requested from parents of musicians
- Sales of refreshments at concerts
- The new annual Cabaret performance in the Pavillion where we help organise a black-tie evening meal with wonderful music from Big Band and vocal soloists – a truly magical evening!
Our efforts enable the Music Department to enhance the musical experience for all pupils that would not otherwise be possible. We have been focusing on providing inspirational musical masterclasses from world renowned musicians across a broad range of musical instruments. Our aim is to get every musical pupil the opportunity to be involved in as many of these as possible during their time at the school. In the school year 2025/26 these included:
- Wantage Silver Band – a masterclass and concert for all brass players
- Violin recital and masterclass with Ning Kam
- A choral masterclass and organ recital with James Anderson-Besant
- Piano masterclass with Julian Hellaby
- Clarinet masterclass with Andrew Marriner
- Drum masterclass with Vince Dunn for 40+ percussion pupils
- Vocal masterclass and recital with Guy Cutting
- Flute masterclass with Ian Mullen
- Chapel choir masterclass with Eamonn Dougan
- Horn masterclass with Tim Jackson
- A masterclass for singers with the awesome “Out of the Blue” a cappella group
We have also helped provide:
- New chapel choir folders
- A condenser microphone for our open mic nights
- Trophies for the Young Musician of the Year competition
If you could spare the time to join ASMS and help support the wonderful work that the Music Department does, please contact the Music Secretary via email who will provide you with further details.
Quotes from students following recent masterclasses:
“I learned a lot about cello playing, interpretation and expression during the masterclass, Leo Popplewell’s enthusiasm and support proved especially invaluable and unforgettable. I am grateful to ASMS for the sponsoring of this masterclass.”
“Paul Harris is such an amazing musician and it is a privilege to be able to be given feedback by him to be able to further my musical career and expand my musical knowledge.”
