It was another busy fortnight in the Music Department. As the end of term approaches, we encourage all students to continue with their practise and aim for higher results.

VOCAL NIGHT – A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

On Tuesday 13 May the first Vocal Night for 2014 was held in the Lecture Theatre. The Choir opened the night with two very impressive pieces; 'Seasons of Love' from the musical Rent and the well-known hit 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams. Ms Papworth and James Hardy, Michael Aguilera and Luca Soprano accompanied the pieces, which were performed, to a very high standard.

There were group, trio, duo and solo performances, with some accompaniment on piano and others on guitar. Everyone showed off their musical talents with songs from pop, musical theatre and even swing and blues.

The World Challenge students catered for the interval with food and drinks and everyone had a great break, returning ready for an amazing second half where VCE students performed pieces for their upcoming exams.

The night concluded with two exceptional pieces from the Senior Singers. Singing 'Hallelujah' and 'Joy to the World’. Ms West conducted and gave the audience a treat to an amazing four part harmonies.

Special mention to Ms Papworth for accompanying and helping the night run smoothly, Ms Kirk for stage-managing and Ms West for accompanying, conducting and organising the whole night!

Eliana Adler, Year 11

THE FORTNIGHT IN REVIEW

Wednesday 14 May was a busy day in the Music Department with the Senior Stage Band members taking part in an all day rehearsal.

Students worked as an entire ensemble, and took part in many sectional rehearsals. By the end of the day, the sound of the group had improved from great to outstanding. Special thanks to Ms Tracy Videon, Ms Su Rogerson and the Senior Stage Band director Mr Dmitry Serebrianik.

Glen Eira held their Volunteer Recognition ceremonies on 14 & 15 May. Heavy Metal performed on 14 May, playing background music while guests assembled, accompanied the National Anthem with Nicholas Whittaker leading the singing, and then performed four pieces to entertain the crowd. Congratulations also to Ms Tracy Videon for her organisation of this group of students and her preparation for the evening. Her pride in the level of musicianship of the students can be heard in their performance.

McKinnon String Quartet performed at their external debut on 15 May. The group members Andy Zhan, Matthew James, Maya Mackey and Ceridwen McCooey entertained with a variety of works that were well received by the audience. Alexandra Samulenok sang the National Anthem accompanied by Andy Zhan on piano. Congratulations to all students involved in this wonderful presentation.

Congratulations also to Mr Stuart Cook for his organisation of the String Quartet leading up to this performance.

Many students from McKinnon Secondary College attended the SEVR Music Exchange Camp at Rutherford Park, Daylesford. By all accounts from students and staff alike it was an outstanding success. Students from McKinnon joined with others from Cheltenham Secondary College and Mordialloc College to participate in a great rehearsal camp that culminated in an outstanding concert at Cheltenham Secondary College on Thursday evening. Congratulations to Ms Blanka West and Ms Tracy Videon for their great organisation of this event, and to Ms Theresa Kirk for attendance and organisation of after rehearsal activities.

Congratulations to the students in the Orchestra who performed the National Anthem,

with Alexandra Samulenok singing, and ‘March’ from Folk Songs from Somerset by Ralph Vaugh Williams at the General Assembly on 23 May. The standard of playing was outstanding.

Congratulations and thank you to their director Mr Tony Brookes for his ongoing work with this fine group of musicians.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Munch then Music is on Thursday 29 May in the Lecture Theatre;
Year 11 Music Performance night is on this evening, Thursday 29 May in the Lecture Theatre;
SEVR String Fest is on Thursday 5 June at Nossal High School in Berwick and a number of McKinnon students will be in attendance;
Year 12 Music Night – Tuesday 17 June;
Junior Music Night – June 25 (this will be the Year 7 ensembles first public performance).

AMEB PERFORMANCE EXAMS

Any student who is interested in undertaking an AMEB performance exam this year should talk to their instrumental teacher over the next few weeks. Application forms need to be completed and submitted by the end of term.

Keep practising.

Megan Papworth

Head of Music - Classroom

SUCCESS STORIES

AUSTRALIAN GIRLS' CHOIR