Music Notes

Ms Nicole Bull, Head of Performing Arts

Welcome to 2025

Welcome to what promises to be a sensational year in Music and the Performing Arts! Ensemble and choir rehearsals are now underway, so please check KCEE and the Music Notice Board for any updates. 

I encourage all students learning an instrument to join an ensemble or choir—it’s a fantastic way to develop your skills and connect with fellow musicians.

This year, we're also delighted to welcome our new Head of Instrumental Music, Kurt Abell, along with Piano teacher Sienna Guo and Saxophone teacher Ben Singh.

Introducing our new Head of Instrumental Music

Mr Kurt Abell joins the Kilvington community as our new Head of Instrumental Music. A highly experienced percussionist, conductor and educator, he has performed across a wide range of musical contexts and genres, including concert bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, pipe bands and musical theatre.

Mr Abell comes to Kilvington after 11 years at Brighton Grammar School, where he taught music throughout the secondary school and held key leadership roles, including Head of Instrumental Music and Head of Bands.

A graduate of RMIT and Monash Universities, Mr Abell holds a Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry), a Graduate Certificate in Visual and Performing Arts, a Graduate Diploma of Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma of Education specialising in Music Education. He's also an active member of several professional networks, including the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association.

Mr Abell’s musical direction highlights include the Victorian premiere of The Wedding Singer (Panorama Theatre Company, 2008) and the Victorian non-professional premiere of The Producers (Windmill Theatre Company, 2007). We look forward to the expertise and passion he brings to Kilvington’s Music Program!

Friday Afternoon Soirees

Friday Afternoon Soirees will recommence in Term 1 (dates yet to be confirmed). The Soirees will be held in PVC7 from 3.45 to 4.30pm. All Kilvington music, dance, and speech and drama students are welcome to perform, as well as students who attend external lessons.

Notification of Soiree dates and booking procedures will be advertised in the next edition of In the Know.

Jazz Cabaret Evening - 27 March

The Jazz Cabaret evening is booked in for Thursday, 27 March at the Glen Eira Town Hall.  Our senior performance groups from Years 9 to 12 will be performing. If you'd like to perform a solo item, please check details in the Bulletin in the coming weeks and speak to Ms Cole about accompaniment.

Senior School Production – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Rehearsals for the Kilvington Senior School Production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have commenced. All students involved will be working incredibly hard two nights after School each week. Performances will be in Dalton Hall Thursday 22 May, Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May.

Kadenza Beginner Band – new members welcome

We welcome any new students and Year 5 Band Program students from 2024 to join Kadenza! This concert band is designed for students who have been learning music for two years or less.

Students will be assisted with their playing by Music Mentors from senior levels. 

Rehearsalsare held on Thursdays from 3.45 to 4.30pm in PVC7. Please contact Mr Evgeny Chebykin at chebykine@kilvington.vic.edu.au for further details.

Contemporary Choir – new members welcome

The Contemporary Choir is open to all students from Years 7 to 12. Rehearsals are held each Friday before school at 7.30am and lunchtimes in PVC7 in the Music School. Students can choose which rehearsal to attend. The repertoire is fun and engaging and are songs that everyone knows. Please contact Ms Nicole Bull at bulln@kilvington.vic.edu.au for further details.

Kadences (Girl’s Choir) – new members welcome

Kadences is open to all females from Years 7 to 12. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday lunchtime in PVC7. The choir performs a fun repertoire specifically tailored for girls. 

Please contact Ms Nicole Bull at bulln@kilvington.vic.edu.au for further details.

Krooners (Boy’s Choir) – new members welcome

The Krooners is open to all boys from Years 7 to 12. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday mornings at 7.30am in 1PVC3. The Krooners is a great environment for boys to come together to sing and build camaraderie. 

Please contact Ms Melissa Waked at wakedm@kilvington.vic.edu.au for further details. 

Student achievements - share your success!

Student Achievements is a regular segment in our newsletter, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our students in thePerforming Arts. 

If you or someone you know has participated in an Eisteddfod, dance competition, dramatic play, or any performance in the wider community, we’d love to hear about it!

Please email theMusic Department at music.admin@kilvington.vic.edu.au to share your achievements.

Stage School Australia

Stage School Australia is a performing arts school for young people aged 4–18 years. They offer singing, dancing, and drama classes at over 24 venues across Melbourne, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and creativity.

Learn more about their programs here. 

Diary dates - Term 1