Performing Arts

Koonung’s Virtual Choir

This year has been an interesting one to say the least. Plans have been rearranged, activities have been cancelled, and we have all been teaching and learning remotely for half of the year. Unfortunately for Koonung’s singers, Choir was one of the first activities to be cut due to the high risk nature of singing in large groups. We managed to have six rehearsals in Term 1 before calling it a day. However, during lockdown, the students and I were all very keen to perform what we had so far, even if we could not do this in person. Thus, Koonung’s Virtual Choir was born!

I would like to thank all of the students who participated in this project. I know how difficult it was to remember your parts and to also sing in Tokelauan! You all did a fantastic job and you should be proud. 

With that being said, we hope that you enjoy the video of Koonung’s Virtual Choir performing “We Know the Way” from Moana.

Olivia Foy

Instrumental Music Coordinator

Classroom Music and Voice

Zachary Wijaya (7D)   

Please enjoy Zac's fantastic version of "Crazy" - bass cover by Gnarls Barkley 

Joshua Verco

Instrumental Music Instructor - Electric Bass, Double Bass & Cello

Blue Band - Reminiscing 

This is what our Year 9 and 10 musicians have been doing during their time in isolation.

We couldn’t have band rehearsals or do live performances, but we have put together this video performance. Using their smart phones, the students recorded and videoed themselves playing their song at home alone. They sent me their files and I put them together.

A very special thank you to all the students who despite the difficulties in doing this alone, persevered and recorded, re-recorded, filmed, re filmed – and did whatever was necessary to get a good product. Their perseverance was admirable.

Many thanks to all the parents too who helped and supported this project.

Congratulations everyone. If we can’t perform live – we will do it virtually – the show must go on! 

​Blue Band 

Vocals: Helen Ball, Celeste Watkins,  Keyboard: Brandon Nam, Guitar: Dheklan Pitaliadda, Bass: Robson McGee, Drums: Ryan McDonald

Band Director: Marina Novelli

Green Band - Hotel California 

Here’s is what our Year 9 students have been doing during lockdown during their socially distanced band time. They have used their phones to record their audio whilst playing to a backing track. They sent those tracks to me and then with their phones filmed themselves playing their part. I have mixed it with the help of our Bass teacher Joshua Verco and then edited it using Final Cut Pro. It was a big project and the students dealt exceptionally well with the challenges of playing and filming music in isolation. A very special thanks to the parents for their support and help in completing this project. Congratulations everyone.

Marina Novelli

Instrumental Music Teacher - Guitar

James Lonnen 

James Lonnen (9D) is practicing for his upcoming Grade 7 piano examination.  James is performing  "Scotch Poem" by Edward MacDowell . We wish James all the very best.

Jack Stabek 

Thank you to Year 10 student Jack Stabek for his wonderful interpretation of 'Mixed Berries' composed by Daryl McKenzie.

Anish Sen (7D)

Anish is performing "Feline Boogie" by Mike Cornick, another terrific example of some of the fantastic work that has taken place during remote learning. 

Kathryn Rogers 

Instrumental Music Teacher - Piano