PERFORMING ARTS

As we approach the midpoint of Term 4, our focus shifts from our senior students, who are now concentrating on their exams, to our junior and middle years students as they showcase their skills and musical development.

Through rehearsals, small-group performances, and larger ensemble concerts, students continue to build confidence and share their progress with the wider school community. 

Supported by our dedicated Performing Arts team, these students will take centre stage in the weeks ahead. We look forward to celebrating their growth and achievements through a rewarding program of music, connection and memorable performances to round out the year.

GIGS ON THE GREEN

On Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October, four senior music ensembles delivered their final lunchtime performances of 2026. These performances have become a tradition to round off the year, giving students a final opportunity to perform together in their ensembles and celebrate their musical achievements.

Wind Symphony, Senior Winds, Senior Strings and Senior Percussion Ensemble presented a diverse and engaging program. Senior Winds performed The Raiders March by John Williams and The Muppet Theme, while Wind Symphony presented The Legend of Hondo by Christina Huss and The Imperial March by John Williams.

The following day, Senior Strings performed Kingdom Dance by Alan Menken and Wake Me Up by Avicii. Senior Percussion Ensemble rounded out the program with the Mii Channel Theme by Kazumi Totaka and Interstellar by Hans Zimmer.

Ms Georgina Mead

Instrumental Music Teacher

EAST CAMPUS MUSIC CLUB PERFORMANCE

Congratulations to the East Campus Music Club students who performed on Wednesday 28 October. Under the guidance of Mr Ben Browne, the group showed what students can achieve when they take ownership of their music-making. They selected and arranged their own repertoire and rehearsed it in weekly lunchtime sessions. On the day, they performed with energy and collaboration to a large and appreciative audience. 

Music Club continues to offer a welcoming space for students to build confidence, connect with others and share their love of music. We look forward to hearing these students perform at the upcoming Year 9 Graduation.

YEARS 10 & 12 THEATRE STUDIES SHOWCASE NIGHT

Congratulations to all students involved in Theatre Studies Showcase Night on Thursday 5 November. It was wonderful to see the Year 10s present 'The AI Play', exploring the effects of AI on a school setting, and to see the Year 11s step out of their comfort zone with 'Boy Girl Wall', in which students personified objects such as walls, laptops and bicycles to tell a story through sound and lighting.

It was great to see such a buzz around the Performing Arts space and to witness the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. Thank you to everyone who supported the students and came along to watch, and an additional thank you to Michael Birkett and Caleb Goldwaser from the MAV team and Lucy Angell for their ongoing support, both on the night and throughout the lead up. 

A thoroughly entertaining evening, a fitting way to close out the theatre performances for 2026, and a wonderful celebration of the Performing Arts at McKinnon. All performers should be extremely proud.

Ms Ellie Adler

Theatre Studies Teacher

EAST CAMPUS ENSEMBLE CONCERT - TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The East Campus Concert was a wonderful celebration of student achievement and musical growth, marking the final major concert of the year for most of our East Campus ensembles. The evening showcased the depth and diversity of our music program, with performances by the Year 8 Strings and Bands, Ovenden Band, Keenan Strings, East Choir, Easty Beats and two Stage Bands. It was a joy to see students from across year levels performing with such confidence and energy, and to reflect on how far each ensemble has come over the course of the year.

Congratulations and thank you to all our students for their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the year. Their contributions in rehearsals and performances have helped East Campus music shine, and they should be proud of all they have achieved together. 

Our sincere thanks go to the ensemble directors and music staff for their ongoing dedication and guidance throughout the year. 

We also acknowledge the valuable support of the AV and Facilities teams, whose work behind the scenes ensures these events run seamlessly, and extend special thanks to Laura Main for coordinating the concert logistics.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

On Wednesday 11 November, McKinnon was proudly represented at the Bentleigh RSL Cenotaph commemorative service. Our vocalists and string students performed with great poise and sensitivity, adding a moving musical dimension to the ceremony. Our student leaders also laid a wreath on behalf of the College. The performance was warmly received by RSL members and guests, continuing McKinnon's strong connection with our local veteran community. Thank you to Georgina Mead and Tim Rex for coordinating the day and supporting our students at this significant occasion.

Dmitry SerebrianikLearning Area Manager – Performing Arts