Instrumental Music News 

Musician of the Year - Congratulations Kurt!

The Musician of the Year award recognises Kurt Ennis. Kurt's contribution to the College through the music program is vast and spans over his 6 years of being at Vermont. Early years saw him participating in Guitar Ensemble as the only Bass player in the group. He then put his hand up to start a rock band in what became one of the longest running Contemporary Bands in Vermont’s history.

In high demand as one of the colleges only Bass Players, he stepped up to help out the Symphonic Band playing the low brass parts, as well as joining the Stage Band in which he played such a solid and integral role.

Kurt's enthusiasm for music along with his generous nature and willingness to support others in their endeavours has been a real feature in Kurt's music academia. We've enjoyed seeing him navigate the challenges of being in such high demand, setting personal goals and boundaries for himself as well as watching him flourish into a highly skilled musician and creative person.

We acknowledge Kurt for this award to recognise not only his musical skill and academic achievements in this field, but in honour of his ability to collaborate in a team, and his eagerness to step in whenever needed. Demonstrating on a regular basis the values of excellence and integrity consistently throughout his time at VSC.

We thank you Kurt Ennis! 

Graduates of the Music Program

This year, we say farewell and best of luck to some core students in our program. One of the many wonderful things about studying as part of our Program is that our bands and ensembles become like a mini family within the college community. The following students have contributed so much to our Program over the years and we want to acknowledge your hard work and dedication to studying your instrument and being involved in our program.  Your willingness to be involved in extra curricular rehearsals and concerts is admirable. 

We are very grateful for the mentorship you have offered to our upcoming music students and for the positive and creative energy you have given over the last 6 years. Best wishes in all your future endeavours and we hope music will be a lasting presence in your lives. 

Vrushti Doctor (flute), Layla Durrant (guitar), Kurt Ennis (bass), Geordie Frostick (trombone, trumpet), Adrian Holschier (trombone, piano), Alex Lee (guitar, tuba), Eva Lindner (voice), Hiedi Ma (violin), Chelsea Martin (trumpet), Lachlan Rayner (bass), Summer Squires (saxophone), Derrick Tang (guitar, piano), Caleb Wong (guitar, trumpet), Jack Xu (flute) and Sachintha Yapa (violin) , WE THANK YOU!!

Music Workshop Day

Next Wednesday the 29th of November, String students from Wantirna College and Bairnsdale Secondary College will join our string students for a workshop/rehearsal day in the Theatre hosted by Ms. Bradley and Ms. Willson. The day will consist of some music games, rehearsals and sectional analysis of pieces that will be performed that evening at a concert held at Wantirna College (see below for more details). 

Meanwhile, our Symphonic Band students will travel to Wantirna College to take part in a Wind Symphony workshop hosted by Music Director Danny Van Bergen and our Mr. Ben Muddyman.  We wish all the students a fun and educational experience. 

Combined Schools Concert

Wednesday 29th November, VSC students will join students at Wantirna College and Bairnsdale College for a Concert held in the Wantirna College Theatre. The Concert will feature our String Orchestra students from both our Junior and Senior Strings groups as well as our Symphonic Band students who will perform pieces they have worked on in the workshop. The night will conclude with a performance by The 'Knox Wind Symphony'.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased here: TICKETS

Re-enrolment into the Music Program for 2024

Parents of students currently enrolled in our program should have received a notification on Compass in the Parent Portal which will allow them to confirm/decline their participation in next year's program. We hope everyone will get their responses to us within the fortnight for us to plan our 2024 classes. We encourage everyone to get in early as spaces in classes are not guaranteed. 

RE-ENROLMENT FORM HERE

Upcoming Music Dates

Schoolies Music Camp

Another year is drawing to a close, and so too is the musical journey of many of our Year 12s.

Skunkworks Community is launching Australia's very first 'Schoolies Music Camp' in the hope that we can connect this cohort to community ensembles and continue playing or singing.

Please let us know if you have any questions or great ideas as we think this could be the start of stemming the tide away from music for so many of these kids.

February 13th - 17th, 2024 

Hawthorn Town Hall

Clinicians include;

Ben Northey, MSO -  Guest Conductor

Leonard Weiss MSO - String Orchestra

Ross Irwin, The Cat Empire - Jazz Orchestra

Marten Visser, CHIME - Choir  

Wind Symphony - Exciting announcement imminent! 

Staff of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music 

More info: www.skunkworkscommunity.com