MUSIC DEPARTMENT

It has been an amazing fortnight in the Music Department. There have been many, many performances and competitions and the results have been outstanding.

WINTER CONCERT

Congratulations to all the staff and students who presented themselves so well at the Annual Winter Concert on Wednesday 30 August at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University.

The standard of performance was incredibly high across all ensembles, demonstrating passion and dedication to producing music amongst all students. It was fantastic to see everyone working together to achieve a great outcome.

THISTLELONIANS REUNION

Thanks to the Saxophone Quartet for performing at the Thistlelonian Reunion on Sunday 20 August. The ensemble performed a polished and entertaining program having been prepared by Mr Martin West to the delight of the many past McKinnon students attending the function.

SOUTH STREET FESTIVAL BALLARAT

The school Orchestra travelled to Ballarat on Saturday 2 September to perform at the long standing South Street Festival. The Orchestra presented themselves very well on stage and performed a lengthy and challenging program with a good blend and balance. Individual solo sections were played with musicality and flair which added sparkle to the performance. After their performance, there was time to listen to other excellent groups before starting the long trek home. Thank you to Ms Tracy Videon for her continual development of this group and organising the trip to Ballarat for the students to perform. Thank you also to Mr Cook and Ms Bugeja for their assistance in the travel to and from Ballarat.

The Clarinet Choir also attended the South Street Festival in Ballarat. They presented an outstanding performance and represented the school extremely well. Thank you to both Ms Su Rogerson and Mr Martin West for the ongoing development of this ensemble and supervision of the students to and from Ballarat.

ORCHESTRA AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Congratulations and thank you to the Orchestra who performed at the beginning of the General Assembly on Tuesday 5 September. The standard of performance was extremely high and demonstrated a growing musicianship. Thank you to Ms Tracy Videon for her work with this group. Thank you also to Tess Hodgson (Year 12) for singing the National Anthem.

BIG BAND BASH '17 - HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

Friday 13 October 7:00pm - School Hall

Parents and friends are invited to McKinnon Music Department’s celebration of contemporary ensembles, featuring ALL Stage Bands and special guests.

Please join in festivities, fun Halloween dress-ups and night of excellent music. BYO Food and drinks.

Tickets Available at: www.trybooking.com/RQWZ

Ticket categories: Single adult: $15, Concession: $10, Students: $5, Full Table (10 tickets): $120, Half table (5 tickets): $70

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Remaining Events for Term 3:

Vocal Night : Thursday 7 September

Percussion Night: Monday 11 September

Spring Soirée: Sunday 17 September at 2pm

Year 12 Music Performance Celebration Night: Thursday 21 September

In preparation for the many performances that will be taking place over the semester, students are reminded that they need to keep their attendance up at the core ensemble rehearsals.

All music students, instrumentalist and elective, are required to be in one of the main ensembles that are held at the school. Being a part of these ensembles helps develop group skills, aural work, sight-reading, widens their experience and musical style and often involves performing for community groups, other schools and functions within the school community.

Rehearsals are held as follows:

Symphonic Wind: Monday afterschool 3:30 – 5pm

Keenan Strings: Thursday before school 7:45am

Orchestra: Thursday afterschool 3:30 – 5pm

McKinnon Choir: Thursday lunch time

Ovenden Band: Friday before school 7:45am

We look forward to seeing all students at their respective ensemble rehearsals.

Megan Papworth

Head of Music

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