PERFORMING ARTS

A TERM TO REMEMBER

Term 3 has been one of the busiest, most productive and most rewarding periods our Performing Arts community has experienced. Across the term, students have embraced every opportunity to rehearse, perform, create and connect with audiences, demonstrating impressive commitment, resilience and enthusiasm.

From our newest Year 7 students taking their early steps into ensembles and performances, through to our senior students leading with confidence and maturity, our young performers have continued to shine. 

Behind each event has been countless hours of preparation, practice and collaboration. Students have supported one another, risen to new challenges and represented the school with great pride. The energy and dedication shown throughout the term have been truly remarkable.

As we reflect on the many events and achievements of the past few months, we are delighted to celebrate the talent and spirit that make Performing Arts such a vibrant part of McKinnon. 

YEAR 9 THEATRE PRODUCTION: MUSICAL - EXCURSION TO ‘SIX’

This year, Year 9 students had the opportunity to explore the exciting world of theatre through our elective - Theatre Production: Musical. Throughout the semester, we have discovered how theatre is much more than simply performing on stage. We have explored a variety of creative and technical elements including costume design, set design, props, while also developing our skills acting, singing and dancing as well as the learning history of theatre and musicals. 

One of the highlights of this class was our excursion to the Comedy Theatre where we watched the musical ‘SIX’. Seeing a professional musical performed live was an absolutely thrilling experience and was truly better than many of us expected. The combination of energetic choreography, impressive music, costume and design brought everything we learned during class to life. It was fascinating to see how every element, from the smallest prop to the performers on stage, worked together to create such an engaging musical. This excursion also gave us a greater appreciation for the amount of creativity, preparation and teamwork required to produce a professional performance. 

Overall, the theatre elective has allowed us to step outside of our comfort zones, discover new passions and experience theatre both on and off the stage. It is an unforgettable part of Year 9!

Trisha Mehta

Year 9 Student

VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR

What an amazing final three days our students had as members of the Mass Choir at the State Schools Spectacular. The first day at John Cain Arena was a technical rehearsal day, the second day we participated in two dress rehearsals, and on Saturday 29 August the two performances were held to sell out audiences.

Our students represented our school with such enthusiasm, pride and professionalism throughout the entire experience. They embraced every rehearsal and performance opportunity, worked beautifully as a team and helped create an incredible atmosphere alongside thousands of other talented students from across the state.

Be sure to tune in to Channel 7 on Friday 18 December to see our talented students in action!

Ms Laura Main & Ms Zoe Bartholomeusz

Instrumental Staff

SILVER LINING AT VSMF: MCKINNON ENSEMBLES SHINE

McKinnon Secondary School concluded its 2026 Victorian School Music Festival participation with two outstanding Jazz Ensembles: Junior Jazz Ensemble and Intermediate Jazz Ensemble. Performing at Hawthorn Arts Centre on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, both ensembles presented polished and energetic performances that reflected their commitment throughout the year. We are delighted that each ensemble received a Silver Award in recognition of its achievements.

Earlier in the term, Ovenden Band and Wind Symphony also participated in the festival, with each ensemble achieving a Silver Award. These results reflect the sustained effort, musical growth and commitment demonstrated by our students across the year.

A particular highlight of the festival was the opportunity for students to receive feedback and guidance from experienced adjudicators. These valuable learning experiences provided practical musical insights, encouragement and performance advice for students across both the Jazz Ensembles and Concert Bands.

Thank you to Mr Tim Rex and Mr Byrne for their expert preparation of the Jazz Ensembles and for providing such valuable performance opportunities. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Tracy Videon, Laura Main and Megan Waugh for their commitment, preparation and inspiration of our Concert Band students. Finally, thank you to Dmitry Serebrianik for attending the event and assisting our students throughout the festival.

WOODWIND NIGHT 

What a fantastic evening of music, talent and celebration at McKinnon Woodwind Night on Monday 31 August!

Congratulations to all 197 incredible woodwind musicians who took to the stage and shared their passion and dedication with the audience. Featuring flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and saxophone, the evening showcased the remarkable depth of talent across our woodwind program.

A special congratulations goes to every student who performed on their principal instrument, as well as those who have embraced the challenge of developing their skills across multiple woodwind instruments. Your hard work, commitment and enthusiasm truly shone through.

We are enormously proud of every student who performed, and of the wonderful sense of community fostered through our ensembles.

Thank you to our dedicated Woodwind staff for their outstanding work in preparing and supporting students. We also extend our appreciation to Dmitry Serebrianik, Clare Bugeja and our wonderful MAV team for their assistance on the night.

Ms Laura Main

Instrumental Teacher

GIGS ON THE GREEN

Our recent Gigs on the Green featured the Year 12 band, Nothing Stuck, at the McKinnon Road campus. Well done to Sapphire Thomas-Sam, Sophie Yu, Emily Ellis, Oscar McCallum and Rhapsody Borrirak for their lunchtime performance on the A1 stage on Friday 4 September. We have enjoyed watching them develop as a group over the past few years, and we wish them all the best as they prepare for their end of year exams.

Mr Paschal Lee

Instrumental Teacher

PERCUSSION NIGHT

Percussion Night was held in the Auditorium on Wednesday 9 September, showcasing the energy, skill and creativity of our Years 8-12 percussion students. The evening featured an engaging program of solo and small-group performances, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the musical independence, technical development and confidence they have built throughout the year.

A particular highlight was the impressive performance by the Senior Percussion Ensemble, whose ensemble awareness was evident throughout their performance. The concert offered audiences a wonderful glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of percussion, from rhythmic complexity and musical expression to the teamwork required in group performance.

Congratulations to every student involved for their excellent preparation and enthusiastic performances. A special thank you goes to our Year 12 students: Joshua Golembo, Jasper Wilson, Rhapsody Borrirak, Eran Goldin, Lulu Quaife and Dion Wiseman, for their valuable contribution to the music program throughout the years. 

Ms Grace James and Mr Paschal Lee

Instrumental Teachers

VOCAL MASTERCLASS

On Tuesday 1 September, 48 McKinnon Secondary School students attended a vocal masterclass with acclaimed singing teacher and performer, and former McKinnon student, Elena Xanthoudakis. Held in the Music Auditorium during Periods 1 and 2, the session gave students valuable insight into vocal technique, performance and the process of coaching singers in a masterclass setting. Students also participated in practical activities and observed their peers receiving expert feedback.

Thank you to Blanka West for organising and facilitating this valuable opportunity for our students.

YEAR 12 MUSIC NIGHT

On Wednesday 2 September, our Unit 4 VCE Music Performance students presented their final Music Night for the year. Students from both the Repertoire and Contemporary streams performed works from the programs they will present in their end-of-year performance examinations.

The evening featured a diverse range of solo and group performances, spanning a variety of musical styles, genres and historical periods. It was wonderful to celebrate the students’ talent, commitment and progress over the past eight months.

During the school holidays, students will have the opportunity to perform their full examination programs in mock examinations and receive valuable feedback from a practice examiner. We look forward to supporting and cheering them on as they prepare for their final performance examinations.

Ms Leah Humphrey

Instrumental Teacher

MUSIC AT MCK RESPECT

Music played a central role in creating a positive, energetic and inclusive atmosphere at this year’s McK Respect Community Event on 11 September. Senior Rock bands kicked off this worthwhile occasion, setting the tone for an afternoon that brought students, families, staff and community leaders together through sport, music and shared values.

Fantastic East Campus vocalists then performed Stand as 1, an original song composed by students and arranged and mastered by Mr Ben Browne. This moving performance offered a meaningful musical reflection on the event’s message of unity, dignity and respect.

Our renowned Saxophone Quintet, directed by Mr Stuart Byrne, entertained the crowd throughout the football match. Their lively program of classic hits, footy songs and favourites added enormous spirit to the evening and was warmly received by everyone in attendance.

SENIOR THEATRE STUDIES

Year 11 and 12 Theatre Studies students recently enjoyed a wonderful excursion to Arts Centre Melbourne to see Mackenzie. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the production explores child stardom and the personal cost of fame and success. Students found the performance both engaging and thought-provoking and particularly valued the insightful question-and-answer session with members of the cast and creative team following the show.

Year 10 Theatre Studies students are looking forward to their upcoming excursion to see SIX the Musical at the end of term. 

Meanwhile, our Year 12 Theatre Studies students performed their monologues on Monday 14 September as part of their preparation for their upcoming VCE Performance examinations.

BRASS NIGHT

On Tuesday 15 September, McKinnon Brass Night brought together students, families and members of our school community for an exciting celebration of brass music and performance.

Featuring musicians from across all year levels, the evening showcased the dedication, skill and enthusiasm of students throughout our Instrumental Music program. Audiences enjoyed a varied program of repertoire, ranging from classical favourites to contemporary works and Australian music, highlighting the versatility, energy and distinctive sound of our brass ensembles.

A particularly special aspect of the evening was the opportunity for younger musicians to see senior students perform. Watching these experienced players take to the stage provided inspiration and demonstrated what can be achieved through commitment, regular practice and active participation in the program.

Thank you to all students, staff, families and friends who contributed to such a successful event and helped celebrate the talent, teamwork and vibrant spirit of McKinnon’s brass community.

Mr Tim Rex

Instrumental Teacher

MUSIC CELEBRATES CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK

During the 2026 Cultural Diversity Week, Music students and staff helped celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the McKinnon community through a range of engaging performances and activities. The program included World Songs Concerts at both campuses, a World Music Ensemble performance in the East Campus and karaoke sessions for staff and students. 

These events created meaningful opportunities for students to perform, participate and connect through music. Thank you to Georgina Mead, Blanka West, Ben Browne and Andrew Albanis for their valuable contributions to this wonderful school tradition.

WISHING OUR MUSIC COMMUNITY A SAFE AND RESTFUL BREAK

As we reach the end of term, we wish all students and families a safe, restful and enjoyable school holiday break. We hope staff and students have the opportunity to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and return refreshed for an exciting Term 4.

We encourage all instrumental music students to continue practising regularly during the holidays and to stay connected with their instrument. Consistent practice, even in short sessions, will support continued progress in preparation for the busy term ahead, including AMEB examinations and the Year 12 Music recitals.

Families are reminded to continue checking the school calendar and Compass for upcoming events, rehearsal details and important updates. Please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department if you have any questions.

Dmitry Serebrianik

Learning Area Manager - Performing Arts