PERFORMING ARTS
Term 2 has placed Performing Arts at the heart of McKinnon’s life, with a rich calendar of performances, excursions, and community engagements. Our students have embraced every opportunity to represent the College, proudly showcasing the strength and vibrancy of Victorian music education. From ensemble concerts and festivals to theatre productions and community events, the term has been marked by energy, creativity, and collaboration.
As we build towards major performances, it has been especially rewarding to witness students grow not only as performers, but as confident young adults and emerging leaders. Their commitment, resilience, and artistic curiosity continue to shape a dynamic and inspiring Performing Arts culture of our school.
INTO THE WOODS JNR!
LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
All your favourite fairytale characters - Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) - but strangely mashed together as they discover that you need to be careful what you wish for. Join our cast of Years 7-10 for a magical event!
Friday 24 July, 7pm
Saturday 25 July, 2pm and 7pm
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
SOUNDS ON THE GROUND - EAST CAMPUS MUSIC CLUB
Congratulations to all of our students on their outstanding performance at Sounds on the Grounds. Your dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm were evident in every piece, and you represented our school with pride. Thank you for sharing your talents and making the event such a memorable celebration of music.
Ben Browne
Music Teacher
EAST CAMPUS CONCERT & GUESTS
The East Campus Concert on Thursday 11 June was a wonderful celebration of student achievement and musical growth. The evening featured performances by the Year 8 Strings and Bands, Ovenden Band, Keenan Strings, East Choir, and the two East Stage Bands, showcasing the depth and diversity of our music program.
A highlight of the concert was the collaboration with Willoughby Girls High School’s Concert Band and Strings Ensemble, who joined our Intermediate Ensembles for a combined performance. This partnership provided a valuable and inspiring experience for our students.
We were also delighted to formally welcome all Year 8 music students to the East Campus for their first official performance. It was particularly rewarding to see the progress they have made since the beginning of the year, with the concert serving as a true reflection of their dedication, perseverance, and developing musicianship.
Our sincere thanks go to the ensemble directors and music staff for their ongoing commitment to preparing students throughout the semester. We also acknowledge the important support of the AV and Facilities teams and extend special thanks to Dmitry Serebrianik for his coordination of the concert logistics.
SAXOPHONE MASTERCLASSES AND CLASAX COMPETITION
Congratulations to our students on their outstanding success at the Clasax Competition held at Monash University. The McKinnon Saxophone Quintet, directed by Stuart Byrne, won Best Australian Work.
The following day, Xavier Lynch (Year 12) performed his VCE recital piece, Perdy Perdy, in the Under 18 Solo section and was awarded the prestigious Rising Star Award.
Ms Laura Main
Music Teacher
VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR REHEARSAL
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular students in Year 7 attended the second regional rehearsal last week at Mulgrave Primary School. Well done to all of our wonderful VSSS students on their hard work so far in rehearsals.
Ms Laura Main
Music Teacher
SENIOR ENSEMBLE INCURSION REHEARSAL
On Sunday 21 June, the dedicated musicians of Wind Symphony and Orchestra devoted their morning to intensive rehearsals under batons of Tracy Videon and Lindsay Ryan, refining ensemble skills and preparing repertoire for a series of Semester 2 performances. The final block of the day brought both groups together for a combined rehearsal, learning and recording the popular recent chart Joy by Raye, a vibrant track that showcases contemporary pop influences.
Their hard work and focus this semester were acknowledged with prizes and a relaxed pizza lunch, strengthening ensemble spirit and celebrating their achievements.
JUNIOR CONCERT
On Wednesday 24 June, McKinnon’s Year 7 music students celebrated their first concert, marking four months of learning across band, strings, and ensemble classes.
The Year 7 Band, conducted by Tracey Videon, took the audience on a musical journey from Greek mythology to the Mekong River, finishing with inventive percussion textures.
The Junior Singers, led by Laura Main, performed Lanterns by Birds of Tokyo with a beautifully ethereal tone, capturing themes of growth and change.
Year 7 Strings, conducted by Michael Lee, presented the atmospheric The Abandoned Funhouse, featuring piano and celeste (Boris Chan and Claire Liew), followed by the lively Yee Ha!, complete with dramatic effects and whip cracks from Ellie Adler.
Guest performers included the Intermediate Stage Band (Stuart Byrne), whose pieces Old Havana and The Usual Suspects showcased Latin influences and classic jazz styles.
Stringendo, (the Year 7 Extension strings) conducted by Clare Bugeja, delivered an energetic Lord of the Dance, enhanced by percussion from Tom Levin.
Senior Winds, directed by Nicholas Roney, made their debut with Mighty Mite and With Honour, highlighting the progress of this newly formed ensemble.
The concert concluded with the World Music Ensemble under directorship of Georgina Mead and Grace James, performing the Japanese taiko piece Raku (featuring Dana Dunayevsky) and Cielito Lindo, with solos from Daniela Tapia Leal and Stefan Tale.
A wonderful evening celebrating the beginning of the Year 7 musical journey alongside inspiring performances from senior students.
REMINDER TO STUDENTS TO TAKE INSTRUMENTS HOME & NEXT TERM EVENTS
As we approach the final week of Term 2, we remind all students to take their instruments home to maintain consistent practice over the break. Looking ahead, Term 3 promises another exciting program of events, including our Junior School Production, the Winter Concert at Robert Blackwood Hall (Monash University), and performances at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. A range of instrument-specific recitals and concerts will also provide valuable opportunities for students to continue developing their skills and confidence.
Families are encouraged to regularly check Compass and the College calendar for event details and updates. Thank you for your ongoing support of Performing Arts this term.
We wish all members of our community a restful, safe, and enjoyable holiday break.
Dmitry Serebrianik
Learning Area Manager - Performing Arts