PERFORMING ARTS

Term 2 has seen our Performing Arts program right at the centre of performances, excursions, and opportunities to represent the College within the wider community, proudly showcasing the strength of Victorian music education. It has been a busy and exciting season, with community events, ensemble concerts, festivals, and theatre productions creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere across the College. We are delighted to highlight the skill, dedication, and creativity of our students as they take to the stage throughout the term.

SERGEI GOLOVKO: A LASTING LEGACY IN MUSIC EDUCATION

This week we farewell long-standing percussion teacher Sergei Golovko and recognise his extraordinary contribution to the McKinnon Music community. Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Sergei trained at the State Conservatory and Gnessin Academy before migrating to Australia in 1996. He has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, appeared as a soloist on ABC, and served as Artistic Director of the Australian Drummer’s Show Band at the Sydney Olympic Games.

An internationally recognised performer, composer, and educator, Sergei’s works feature in the VCE syllabus and his teaching has shaped generations of students. At McKinnon, his passion, precision, and high standards have left a lasting legacy. We thank Sergei and wish him every success in the future.

INTO THE WOODS JNR - BOOK TICKETS HERE! 

All your favourite fairy tale 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

GIGS ON THE GREEN

The second Gigs on the Green of the year featured our VCE and Year 10 music students at the McKinnon Road campus. Well done to Lia Erlich (Year 11), Sebastian Mijatovic Maslen (Year 12), Noah Passov (Year 10), Lennox Jackson (Year 10), Sebastian Le (Year 10) and Daniel Lewis (Year 10) for their lunchtime performance on the A1 stage on Wednesday 20 May. We look forward to more performances throughout the year!

Paschal Lee

Music Teacher

CLAREMONT TERRACE

On Monday 18 May, the VCE Music students walked to Claremont Terrace accompanied by Laura Main, Leah Humphrey, and Georgina Mead. The students performed works from their VCE program, showcasing a diverse range of genres including jazz, classical, pop, and Eastern European styles. The performances also featured a variety of instruments, including violin, piano, saxophone, and voice.

Georgina Mead 

Music Teacher

SAXOPHONE PERFORMANCES AND MASTERCLASSES

Our students recently participated in a workshop with internationally renowned saxophonist Niels Bijl on Thursday 21 May. He captivated students with his exceptional musicianship, demonstrating techniques on both soprano and baritone saxophones, and sharing insights into his musical journey. Congratulations to the McKinnon Saxophone Quintet for opening the evening as they prepare for the Clasax Performance Competition.

Seven McKinnon woodwind students also attended the Monash University Woodwind Day, taking part in workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and a final concert performance. The experience provided valuable insights into musicianship, collaboration, and performance skills. We thank Stuart Byrne and Nicholas Roney for their support, and Laura Main for her outstanding organisation and leadership.

Laura Main

Music Teacher

SENIOR ENSEMBLES CONCERT - TUESDAY 26 MAY

The Senior Ensembles Concert was held on Tuesday 26 May at the McKinnon Road Hall, featuring performances by Senior Core Ensembles alongside elective and chamber groups, with more than 160 students involved. The program showcased the results of extensive rehearsal and the high standard of musicianship across the College. The evening also marked a farewell to long-standing percussion teacher Sergei Golovko, recognising his valued contribution. 

Thank you to Clare Bugeja for coordinating the event, as well as the AV and facilities teams, ensemble directors, and all music staff for their support.

Clare Bugeja

Music Teacher

STRINGFEST - THURSDAY 28 JUNE

Forty McKinnon String students travelled to Mentone Girls’ Secondary College to perform alongside peers from schools across the south-eastern region. The combined string orchestra numbered 130 students. Accompanied by Clare Bugeja, Amelia In, and Georgina Mead, students worked with guest conductor Tom Silvester, who studied at Oxford, has worked across Europe, and now teaches in Victoria. Tom composed a special piece for the event, Allegro Volante. 

Students also performed Momentous by Brian Balmages and The Armed Man Sees the Light by Stephen Chin. The day provided a valuable opportunity to develop sight-reading and ensemble skills while connecting with students from other schools.

Georgina Mead

Music Teacher

DOUBLE SUCCESS: MCKINNON MUSICIANS SHINE ON STAGE AND IN COMPETITION

On Friday 29 May, McKinnon students showcased their talents at two significant events. Early that morning, Mrs Mead’s String Quartet performed at the opening of the Victorian Principals Conference at The Plenary. This prestigious occasion provided an excellent platform to represent the school to educators from across the state. Congratulations to Year 12 students Yeri Soung, Minnie Wu, Julia Rodda, and Gwendolyn Thiere. The scale of the venue - from the docking bays to the backstage areas and vast auditorium - made for a memorable experience. 

On the same day, the McKinnon Brass Quintet competed in the Small Ensemble section at the Boroondara Eisteddfod, held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. The ensemble - Malachy Carney (Year 12), Jerry Lu (Year 12), Joshua Golembo (Year 12), Tristan Tran (Year 11) and Stefan Tale (Year 12) - achieved an outstanding result, placing 5th overall and the Best Brass Ensemble.

Thank you also to Dmitry Serebrianik for his assistance with transport and rehearsing the Brass Quintet.

VOCAL NIGHT SHOWCASES OUTSTANDING TALENT

Congratulations to all students involved in Vocal Night on Monday 1 June, which featured a wide range of performances across small ensembles, choirs, and solo items. The evening concluded with a powerful Massed Choir finale, combining the Junior Choir, East Choir, McKinnon Road Choir, and Senior Singers in performances of Bele Mama and For Good.

A special thank you to Blanka West for her outstanding leadership in overseeing the evening. We also acknowledge Laura Main for her preparation of students, along with the Media and Audio-Visual team, and Leah Humphrey and Dmitry Serebrianik for their support.

Thank you to all family, friends, and staff who attended and supported our performers.

TUESDAY 2 JUNE - MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND BEYOND

At the General Assembly on Tuesday 2 June, the Senior Stage Band, conducted by Dmitry Serebrianik, delivered a powerful performance of Beds Are Burning. The song’s message of justice and recognition of Indigenous land made it a meaningful contribution in the context of National Reconciliation.

Bella Schneider (Year 12) and Frankie Noble (Year 12) performed the National Anthem, while Manoli Adamakis (Year 11) and Joshua Golembo (Year 12) captivated the audience with a mature and compelling rendition of Csárdás.

Also on Tuesday 2 June, nine VCE music students attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s VCE Experience Day. Students observed live performances of syllabus repertoire, participated in masterclasses, and gained valuable insight into pathways beyond school music. Congratulations to Leah Humphrey for her involvement in the program.

WEDNESDAYS 3 JUNE & 10 JUNE – YEARS 11 & 12 MUSIC NIGHTS

Congratulations to all students who performed at the VCE Years 11 and 12 Music Nights held on Wednesday 3 and Wednesday 10 June. These evenings featured a diverse range of instrumental performances, showcasing repertoire prepared as part of students’ major recital programs. The performances reflected the significant preparation required for these assessments, as well as the growth, refinement, and musical maturity students have developed throughout the semester.

Year 11 Music Night Wednesday 3 June

Year 12 Music Night Wednesday 10 June

The commitment and focus demonstrated by all performers were evident, and we commend students for the dedication they have shown in preparing for their major recitals. We encourage them to continue building on this progress as they move towards their final assessments.

Thank you to Andrew Albanis and Leah Humphrey for their guidance and support in teaching the subject and preparing students for these performances.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SAXOPHONE QUINTET PERFORMANCE AT CLASAX - FRIDAY 12 JUNE

The McKinnon Saxophone Quintet will be performing at the Clasax Performance Competition on Friday 12 June. Students will present a program of saxophone ensemble repertoire for adjudication and feedback. The event will be held at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance at Monash University. We wish the ensemble well as they prepare for this exciting opportunity.

JUNIOR CONCERT AND SPECIAL GUESTS - WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE

Our school community is warmly invited to an evening concert featuring the McKinnon Junior Ensembles, alongside special guest performers from the McKinnon Road campus. This concert marks the first performance opportunity for our Year 7 students, who will be joined by more senior ensembles in a supportive and celebratory showcase of music-making across the program.

We look forward to sharing this special milestone with families and friends.

HOME PRACTISE EXPECTATIONS

Regular home practice is essential for all music students, from junior to senior levels. We recommend students play their instrument at least 3-4 times per week to support steady progress, reinforce skills, and build confidence. Consistent practice helps maintain technique while supporting ongoing musical development. 

Parental support plays a vital role in establishing routines and encouraging commitment, particularly for younger students, ensuring that practice becomes a positive and rewarding part of each week.

Dmitry Serebrianik

Learning Area Manager - Performing Arts