Music Notes
Nicole Bull, Academic Dean of Performing Arts
Celebration Night
Renae Bekas, Year 11
On 25 November, students performed at this year’s Celebration Night. The evening featured performances from many different choral and orchestral groups, allowing students from all year levels to showcase their hard work over the past year.
The massed item, 'Leaving Medley', was a delightful and emotional performance by all Senior School students. Dry eyes were a scarcity as soloists Loretta Pietrosanto, Peter Overton and Daniel Vanston sung farewells to their siblings in Year 12.
This was a beautiful send-off for the group, and we wish them the very best with their future endeavors. A huge congratulations to everyone who performed at Celebration Night. The dedication students have shown to their musical groups is outstanding, and such a successful performance wouldn’t have been possible without it.
Kilvington has many exciting events planned for its 100th year in 2023, including a Centenary Concert which will be held at Hamer Hall at Melbourne’s Arts Centre.
The event will include a massed performance of an original song written by composer Mark Puddy. Mark is resident composer for the Australian Girls' Choir, and with 35 years of experience in the field, his composition is sure to be a wonderful representation of the School’s values and qualities. We look forward to seeing the amazing performances by students next year!
Year 5 Band Concert
On Thursday 1 December, the Year 5 Band students presented a varied and entertaining program of music in Dalton Hall to an appreciative audience.
Each year, students in Year 5 have the opportunity to learn a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument within the Music curriculum. They are supported by a talented and professional team of instrumental music teachers.
The progress made during the past semester was evident to those who witnessed the mid-year concert. On every instrument, students extended their note range, consolidated their tone and together played a number of charts with multiple harmonies and independent parts.
The combined Year 5 Band opened the program with a lively, energetic piece composed by Michael Sweeney titled 'Let’s Rock'. 'Aura Lee' demonstrated varying dynamic levels and 'Old MacDonald Had a Band' highlighted each section of the concert band.
Each instrument group shared an item conducted by their teacher, including 'The Banana Boat' song played by the trumpets and French horns. Year 5C played 'Power Rock' (a medley of 'We Will Rock You' and 'Another One Bites the Dust') and Year 5F played 'Mickey Mouse March'. The show of talent from these wonderful musicians concluded with a band arrangement of 'Jingle Bells'.
I would like to congratulate the Year 5 students for all they have achieved in learning their instruments this year. I strongly encourage them to continue their learning by signing up for tuition and by joining the Kadenza Concert Band on Thursday afternoons.
A special thank you to the team of instrumental staff for their guidance and motivation throughout the year: Mr Paul Coyle, Ms Sylvie Leprohon, Mr Conrad Nilsson, Mr Ken McClimont, Mr Chris Higgins and Ms Ashleigh McMaster.
Student Achievement
Stella Zhang from ELC Magnolia had her very first Suzuki Violin performance last week. Stella performed the 'Twinkle Little Star' variation and 'Busy Busy Stop Stop' to her class all on her own. Well done Stella!
Music Tuition enrolment forms for 2023
Music enrolment forms are now due in for 2023. If your child is interested in learning an instrument next year, can you please ensure you return an enrolment form to the Music Department.
The Music Department has many instrumental classes available, ranging from string instruments, brass and woodwind instruments, voice, keyboard and speech and drama. There is also a large choice of ensembles for your child to participate in.
If you have any queries regarding Music lessons, please contact the Music Department on 8574 7637 or email: music.admin@kilvington.vic.edu.au.
To complete your Music Tuition enrolment form, please click here. All continuing students must return an enrolment form for 2023.
ASBA (Association of Schools Business Managers) Conference
Jan Blazejcak, Director of Music at Trinity Grammar School Kew, is seeking expressions of interest from students who'd be keen to perform at the opening of the ASBA Conference at the Plenary Melbourne on Monday 25 September 2023 at 9.00am.
This conference will be attended by Business Managers from Australia and New Zealand and provide us with an excellent opportunity to unite our musical front and perform for over 1000 people.
The aim is to have a very large SATB choir and orchestra perform a commissioned work by the Melbourne composer Tom Law. The orchestral music will be played by Trinity Grammar's school orchestra.
If interested, please email Mr Jan Blazejczak via blazejczaki@trinity.vic.edu.au by the end of January 2023 (earlier is better!). Mr Blazejcak will then be in touch with more details. They will only have one massed rehearsal in the lead up to this event (date and location TBC).