PERFORMING ARTS

WINTER CONCERT

On Friday 14 August, McKinnon Secondary College’s Winter Concert brought together around 700 students, staff, families and friends for a memorable celebration of music-making. The evening showcased the breadth, energy and high standards of the College’s instrumental and choral programs, with performers demonstrating the confidence, teamwork and musical maturity developed through their rehearsals and ongoing commitment.

The program offered a rich variety of repertoire, moving across orchestral, wind, string, jazz and vocal works. A wide variety of works gave our students opportunities to demonstrate rhythmic precision, expressive playing and strong ensemble awareness.

Across the evening, students performed with impressive focus and generosity of spirit. Whether appearing in a large ensemble, chamber group, choir or Ramp sections, every performer contributed to the collective success of the concert. The support students showed for one another, both on and off stage, reflected the welcoming and collaborative culture that continues to define music at McKinnon.

Congratulations to all students involved for the care, discipline and enthusiasm they brought to their performances. Special recognition is also due to our senior students, whose leadership and longstanding contribution to the program were evident throughout the evening.

Thank you to the instrumental music and performing arts staff for their expert direction, encouragement and countless hours of preparation. We also acknowledge Clare Bugeja, Head of Instrumental Music; Laura Main, Head of Woodwind; Georgina Mead, Head of Strings; and Zoe Bartholomeusz, Performing Arts Administration Assistant, along with all McKinnon staff, MAV team and behind-the-scenes supporters who ensured the event ran smoothly.

The Winter Concert was a wonderful reminder of the talent, commitment and shared joy of music-making across the McKinnon community.

Below is a selection of photos from Winter Concert, or click here for the full set.

VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR

On Wednesday 12 August, ten McKinnon Year 7 students travelled to Melbourne Town Hall as they continued preparations for the Victorian State Schools’ Spectacular. The students joined the massed choir for a large-scale rehearsal, working alongside soloists and more than 1,000 fellow performers from across Victoria. 

It was an exciting opportunity to experience the scale and energy of the production while developing the musical skills, focus and confidence required for the final performance. Students also began learning choreography, bringing movement and stagecraft into their preparation. Congratulations to all involved for representing McKinnon so positively and for approaching this outstanding opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment.

SENIOR STAGE BAND AT ROYAL SOUTH STREET 

McKinnon Secondary College's Senior Stage Band travelled to Ballarat on Tuesday 18 August to compete in the Royal South Street Society (RSSS) music competition, one of Australia's longest-running performing arts events. The ensemble delivered a varied and polished repertoire of stage band material, showcasing the group's stylistic range and musicianship in front of an adjudicator and audience alike.

Their efforts were rewarded with a well-earned second place overall in their section, a fantastic result reflecting the hard work and preparation the students have invested this year. Beyond the competition itself, students enjoyed the day trip experience, taking time to listen to and appreciate performances from other visiting school bands and dinner at the Ballarat Hotel.

A special thank you goes to Zoe Bartholomeusz for coming along to support the ensemble and their director on the day - her presence and encouragement meant a great deal to the students and helped make the trip such a positive experience for everyone involved.

The Ballarat trip caps off a busy period for the Senior Stage Band, and there's little time to rest. Attention now turns to preparing for the Big Band Bash in Term 4, while several members have already begun preparations for the International Music Tour in 2027 - an exciting road ahead for this talented ensemble.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Woodwind Night: Monday 31 August 6:00 pm Alan Lawrence Theatre

On Monday 17 August, woodwind students from Years 7, 10, 11 and 12 came together to rehearse their massed ensemble item ahead of the upcoming Woodwind Night. The students are preparing a full Year 7-12 performance of Sweet Caroline to open the concert, bringing together approximately 190 musicians in what promises to be a spectacular start to the evening.

Woodwind Night will be held on Sunday 31 August at 6:00 pm in the Alan Lawrence Theatre, McKinnon Road Campus. The concert will also feature a range of small-group performances for family and friends to enjoy.

Victorian School Music Festival

Term 3 brings a busy run of performances and festivals for our music students. The Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF) continues through August and September with our ensembles participating across concert band and jazz categories at Hawthorn Arts Centre, giving students valuable adjudicator feedback alongside their performances.

Percussion Night

Our annual Percussion Night returns this term on Wednesday 9 September, showcasing the talent and hard work of our percussion students under their tutor's guidance in a lively evening celebrating rhythm and ensemble skill.

Brass Night

Brass Night follows soon after on Tuesday 15 September, spotlighting solo, duet, and group performances from our brass students, building on last year's successful evening featuring over 100 performers.

VCE Music and Theatre Studies Evening

VCE Music and Theatre Studies Evening will celebrate the dedication of our Years 11-12 students as they prepare for final assessments.

A General Assembly will also be held to share updates and celebrate student achievements across the department as we cap off the busy term with music involvements in Cultural Diversity and McK Respect. 

Please check Compass and future newsletters for confirmed dates, venues, and details closer to each event.

Dmitry Serebrianik

Learning Area Manager – Performing Arts