PERFORMING ARTS

In Term 4, we continue to deliver a strong and creative program in the Performing Arts. 

Across music, theatre, and community events, students show commitment, work well together, and steadily develop their skills. With the support of a capable and dedicated teaching team, students maintain high performance standard, reflecting the depth of McKinnon’s creative community. 

The term provides a range of opportunities for students to perform, collaborate, and develop as musicians and artists.

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL: STAGE BAND SUCCESS

At the end of Term 3, McKinnon’s Stage Bands, directed by Stuart Byrne and Dmitry Serebrianik, represented the school with distinction at the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF).

Their performances displayed precision, musical maturity, and ensemble cohesion -culminating in remarkable results, with both groups receiving Gold and Platinum Awards.

These achievements reflect the dedication of our students and reinforce McKinnon’s proud tradition of jazz excellence.

YEAR 12 MONOLOGUES: CHARACTER AND CRAFT

Directed by Ellie Adler, the Year 12 Theatre Studies Monologues showcased the creativity and refinement developed by our senior drama students during their VCE studies. 

Each performance reflected months of research, rehearsal, and interpretation.

Students demonstrated maturity and imagination in bringing a range of characters to life, displaying both technical control and emotional insight. It was a fitting farewell for the Class of 2025, who ended their studies with confidence and pride.

YEAR 11 MUSIC NIGHT: EMERGING MUSICIANSHIP

The Year 11 Music Night, presented by Leah Humphrey's class with support from Blanka West, featured a diverse program of solo and ensemble performances that captured the skill and enthusiasm of our Unit 1 and 2 musicians.

Students performed repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary, demonstrating musical awareness and creative initiative. The evening highlighted the solid foundation these students have built ahead of their final year in VCE music.

GIGS ON THE GREEN: LIVE MUSIC IN MOTION

Throughout the term, Gigs on the Green and Sounds on the Grounds once again transformed the school into an open-air stage. 

These informal performances gave senior and VCE students the chance to share their work and gain valuable live performance experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

The concerts brought the school community together through music and highlighted students' initiative and creativity. Special thanks go to Martin Lee and Ben Browne for coordinating and supporting these events throughout the year.

PERCUSSION NIGHT: RHYTHM, PRECISION, AND ENERGY

Under the direction of Sergei Golovko, Grace James, and with support Paschal Lee, the Percussion Night was a celebration of rhythm and teamwork. Students presented a broad mix of styles, from classical repertoire to world and contemporary percussion.

The performances demonstrated focus, coordination, and musical sensitivity - the essence of great ensemble playing. The night was both exciting and refined, confirming the depth of talent within McKinnon’s percussion program.

BIG BAND BASH: SWING, SOUL, AND ANIMATION CELEBRATION

Conducted by Dmitry Serebrianik, Stuart Byrne, and Tim Rex, the Big Band Bash brought together McKinnon’s jazz ensembles for a vibrant evening of music and celebration. 

This year’s event took on a playful twist with an “Animation Celebration” theme, where students, loved ones and staff embraced the spirit of classic and contemporary animation through creative costumes and lively presentation.

Supported by the attending music staff, the event captured the collective joy of performance and camaraderie that defines McKinnon’s jazz program – an enduring highlight of the Performing Arts calendar.

PIANO BY CANDLELIGHT: POISE AND EXPRESSION

Led by Tom Baldwin with assistance of Ben Browne, Piano by Candlelight offered a refined and atmospheric evening of music. Students auditioned for the opportunity to perform, resulting in a thoughtfully curated program that showcased a wide range of talent and artistry.

Performers presented solo works spanning classical, romantic, and contemporary repertoire, each delivered with focus and musical sensitivity. The warm, candlelit setting created an intimate space for reflection, allowing both performers and audience members to connect deeply with the music.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: PERFORMING BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

McKinnon students continued to represent the school proudly in the wider community, performing at Claremont Terrace and the Thistlelonian’s Reunion. Directed by Georgina Mead, Megan Waugh, and Laura Main, these events brought joy and connection through music and offered our students meaningful performance experiences.

Each performance demonstrated professionalism and generosity while reinforcing McKinnon’s strong ties with the community.

WISHING OUR AMEB STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WELL

We wish all AMEB students and teachers the very best for their upcoming examinations. 

These assessments represent months of dedication to practice, performance, and artistic growth.

Both students and staff have worked tirelessly in preparation, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements. Congratulations on your continued commitment to excellence in music.

LOOKING AHEAD: TERM 4

Woodwind Night at East Campus

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, at 5pm the Woodwind Evening will feature performances by students from beginner to advanced levels.

Diana Doherty – Oboe Masterclass

On Monday, 3 November 2025, at 9:30am, McKinnon looks forward to welcoming world-renowned oboist Diana Doherty, who will lead a masterclass for students and guests, offering expert feedback and inspiring insight into technique and interpretation.

Gigs on the Green – Senior Ensembles Concert

Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 12.35pm - The MERC stage will host the Senior Ensembles Concert, a relaxed performance showcasing repertoire prepared across Term 4 by Senior Strings, Wind Symphony and guests.

Year 11 Theatre Studies Night

Also on Wednesday, 5 November, our Year 11 Theatre Studies students will present their final performance evening. This event celebrates their collaboration, and growing understanding of stagecraft.

East Campus Concert

On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at 5:00pm, the East Campus Concert will feature our middle year-level ensembles, highlighting their progress and performance development across a wide range of styles.

Junior Students Concert

On Thursday, 27 November 2025, at 5:00pm, the Junior Students Concert will showcase our youngest musicians. This celebratory event will mark the conclusion of the school year and highlight the enthusiasm and talent of McKinnon’s emerging artists.

Dmitry Serebrianik

Head of Performing Arts