PERFORMING ARTS
A warm welcome to you at the start of this schooling year from the Performing Arts Faculty. We are excited to be working with your children in preparation for many performances throughout the year. All families involved in the Instrumental Music Program will receive a welcome letter outlining key dates regarding the start of lessons, ensemble rehearsals and instrument hire.
Any further queries can be directed to the Instrumental Music Managers at
imt-manager@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
We are delighted to welcome Tintin Cao (violin, viola) and Yael Marks (trumpet) to the McKinnon Instrumental Music team. Both will be based at the East Campus. Mr Cao and Ms Marks worked with us last year, and their positions have now been made substantive in 2026.
With Ms Papworth extending her leave this term, we’re pleased to have Grace James and Nicholas Roney teaching classroom music and Year 8 Band classes at the East Campus. Madeleine Remont will also be teaching Year 8 classroom music this year. We’re excited to have such a strong and dedicated team supporting our students in their musical development.
SUMMER MUSIC: STAFF AND STUDENTS EXTEND THEIR PRACTICE
McKinnon Secondary College’s music community has had a vibrant start to the year, with both staff and students actively engaged in professional learning and extension opportunities. Our dedicated music staff – Lindsay Ryan, Tim Rex, Amelia In, Nicholas Roney and Paschal Lee – took part in the ABODA Summer School, working with leading conductors and educators to further refine their musicianship, ensemble direction and rehearsal techniques. Their commitment ensures our students continue to benefit from current, high-quality teaching practices.
We are equally proud of our students who participated in a range of Summer Music Camps and specialist masterclasses. These experiences allowed them to extend their technical skills, deepen their musical understanding and perform alongside like-minded young musicians from across the state. Participation in such programs not only develops confidence and independence but also enriches the overall musical life of McKinnon’s thriving ensembles and classroom programs.
MINI MUSICAL AUDITIONS
McKinnon Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the launch of the McK Mini Musical in 2026, featuring the Sondheim classic, Into The Woods. Casting is open to students in Years 7–10, with performances scheduled for Term 3. This production is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their confidence, storytelling and musical theatre skills in a supportive ensemble environment.
Audition bookings open on Friday 6 February, and we strongly encourage interested students to get involved. All information about the show, audition requirements and how to book an audition can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au/performing-arts/prod2025/audition-information
HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL
McKinnon House Music is back for 2026 and we are calling all singers, dancers and musicians to get involved. Students from all year levels are encouraged to take part in this exciting event, with no audition required and all students welcome. The House Music Festival kicks off this Friday 6 February, with House Captains to be announced this week. Rehearsals will build towards the final performance on Wednesday 18th March, an epic showdown showcasing the creativity, teamwork and talent of our four houses.
#PURPLEBATON CAMPAIGN
In celebration of International Women’s Day, McKinnon Secondary College will again participate in Marin Alsop’s global #PurpleBaton campaign, championing women conductors and greater gender equity on the podium. Led successfully last year by Ms Lindsay Ryan, this initiative invites our community to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in classical music and music education.
Throughout March, we encourage students and staff to share images with a purple baton (provided), highlighting women conductors they admire and recordings or performances that have inspired them. Together, we affirm our commitment to representation, leadership and opportunity in music.
More information can be found at:
https://www.marinalsop.com/projects/purplebaton/
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: SARAH AARONS’ GRAMMY SUCCESS
Alumnus Sarah Aarons (Class of 2012) continues to make waves on the world stage, recently earning a Grammy nomination as a songwriter for her work on the track “Dangerous” from the film Sinners, recognised in the Best Score Soundtrack Album for Visual Media category.
EAST MUSIC CLUB
East Campus Music Club is beginning again for 2026 and we warmly welcome new members from all year levels. This weekly lunchtime club offers a relaxed space for students to play, sing, create and share music with friends, regardless of experience. Students can explore different styles, try new instruments and collaborate on small performances in a supportive environment that values creativity, teamwork and fun. Interested students should keep an eye on Compass for start dates and further information.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Congratulations to the Brass Quintet – Malachy Carney, Jerry Lu, Joshua Golembo, Tristan Tran and Stefan Tale – who performed with great confidence and musicality at the first General Assembly for 2026, especially with such a short turnaround after the summer break.
We also acknowledge Jessica Sweeney, who gave a poised and expressive rendition of the National Anthem, and Dmitry Serebrianik for his guidance in preparing this ensemble. We are very proud of the professionalism and teamwork shown by these students in opening the school year’s formal events.
CORE ENSEMBLES: DAYS AND TIMES
Core Ensembles: Students are reminded that their participation in instrumental lessons is contingent on attending their designated core ensemble rehearsals. Continued enrolment in the Instrumental Music Program requires consistent attendance at both lessons and core ensembles.
McKinnon Campus
Senior Strings – Thursday after school, 3:30–5:00pm (A01AB)
Senior Winds – Wednesday before school, 7:40–8:30am (Auditorium)
Choir (vocal students Years 10–12) – Thursday lunchtime (Auditorium)
Wind Symphony – Thursday after school, 3:30–5:00pm (Auditorium)
Orchestra – Wednesday after school, 3:30–5:00pm (Auditorium)
East Campus (VG.1)
East Campus Choir (vocal students Years 8–9) – Monday lunchtime
Keenan Strings – Monday after school, 3:30–4:30pm
Ovenden Band – Wednesday after school, 3:30–4:30pm
All other ensembles are by invitation and/or audition only, and participation depends on students maintaining a consistent commitment to their core ensemble.
The in-class Year 8 string and band ensembles commenced on Monday 2 February; students are reminded to check Compass for rehearsal times and to bring their instruments. In-class Year 7 band and string ensembles will begin from mid-February, and students will be notified via Compass when to bring their instruments.
TERM 1 PERFORMANCE DATES
We have an active and thriving performance calendar in 2026, with the key Term 1 events including:
Year 7 Guest Performance – The Dozeytones – Wednesday 11 February
Big Band Sunsets – Saturday 21 February (Senior Stage Band)
World Day of Prayer – Friday 6 March (Senior Vocalists)
House Music Festival (inter-house music competition) – Wednesday 18 March
Dmitry Serebrianik
Learning Area Manager – Performing Arts