PERFORMING ARTS
As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding term, it’s been wonderful to see our students so engaged in their music lessons, ensembles, and all areas of the Performing Arts. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been evident throughout the term, and we’re so proud of all they’ve achieved. We look forward to sharing their progress and celebrating their successes at the many performances and events planned for Term 2.
Students are reminded to check Compass regularly for upcoming rehearsals, lessons, and important updates. For any queries, please contact the Instrumental Music Team Managers at
imt-manager@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
HOUSE MUSIC
Monash has claimed the House Music title once again, extending its winning streak in a night that was almost impossible to call. With renowned Australian composer and educator Ed Fairlie on the judging panel this year, every House delivered performances of astonishing polish and creativity, making the final decision incredibly tight. Flynn and Gilmore delivered powerful choral performances, filling the hall with rich harmonies and confident part-singing that set an incredibly high bar for the evening. Monash’s Dance routine was a standout highlight, combining precision, energy and storytelling. Instrumental items from Gilmore and Chisholm demonstrated superb ensemble playing, reflecting countless hours of rehearsal and teamwork.
Adding to the sense of occasion, more than 60 Year 12 students came together to form a celebratory band, honouring their final House Music with a joyful finale that united performers, captains and the entire school community in a fittingly triumphant close to the night.
The festival continues to be one of the most inclusive events on the school calendar, uniting students from Years 7 to 12 in healthy, supportive camaraderie that reaches well beyond the stage. Warm thanks go to the tireless MAV team and our charismatic MCs, Ms Adler and Ms Angell, for shaping such a memorable evening. A special acknowledgment must be reserved for Leah Humphrey, whose calm leadership, unwavering professionalism and extraordinary care for all House Captains guided the event through a challenging period and allowed every student to shine.
#PURPLEBATON
#PurpleBaton is a growing initiative aimed at empowering young women to step confidently onto the conductor’s podium. Born from a desire to address the gender imbalance in conducting, spearheaded by Marin Alsop - a giant in the world of classical music, the campaign provides hands-on opportunities for girls and women to lead ensembles, develop musical authority, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
At its core, #PurpleBaton is about visibility and voice - encouraging girls to see themselves as leaders in music, not just participants.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While some participants began feeling nervous, they quickly described the experience using words like “power” and “adrenaline.” These moments of transformation highlight the campaign’s impact.
By normalising young women on the podium, #PurpleBaton is helping to shape a more inclusive future for music - one confident conductor at a time.
Ms Lindsay Ryan
Music Teacher
THEATRE STUDIES - TERM 1
It's been a very busy term in the world of Theatre Studies with three excursions for our senior students; Years 9 and 10s to Cluedo at the Comedy Theatre, Years 11 and 12s to Top Class at the Recital Centre and the Year 12s to Black Light at the Malthouse Theatre. With wonderful reviews from all, it has been a great start for all year levels to experience the professional industry and prepare for assessments.
Additionally, the Year 12 Theatre Studies cohort have been working extremely hard preparing for their upcoming performance season of 'The Unravelling', written by Fin Kennedy.
Set in an East London fabric shop, three daughters fight to impress their mother and weave her the greatest tale, using nothing more than pieces of cloth.
After the sold-out season of Clue performed by last year’s VCE students, this is a show for all ages and will be a wonderful evening of entertainment.
Performed in the Alan Lawrence Theatre from Wednesday 6 – Friday 8 May, Tickets can be purchased using the link below. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
https://www.trybooking.com/DKXTA
Ms Eliana Adler
Drama & Theatre Studies Teacher
UPCOMING EVENTS
DON’T MISS SERGEI NAKARIAKOV – Trumpet Masterclass & Concert in Melbourne
Renowned trumpet virtuoso Sergei Nakariakov, often called “the Paganini of the trumpet,” is presenting a Masterclass and Concert in Melbourne this year – a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading performers. All brass students are strongly encouraged to attend and be inspired by his incredible artistry and technique. A fantastic chance to experience world-class playing up close – don’t miss it!
Masterclass info & tickets (Iwaki Auditorium, 15 April 2026)
Mahler & Tchaikovsky: featuring Sergei Nakariakov - Multiple venues -Thu 16 Apr - Sat 18 Apr
ANZAC DAY - 25 APRIL
McKinnon Secondary College will once again be proud to participate in the local ANZAC Day service at the Bentleigh RSL Cenotaph on Saturday 25 April. Our student leaders and musicians will join the wider community to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand defence personnel, with brass and vocal ensembles contributing throughout the ceremony as our students represent the school with respect and dignity.
GENERATIONS IN JAZZ: 1-3 MAY
McKinnon’s Senior Stage Band is excited to be heading to Generations in Jazz this year, with 25 students representing the College. The ensemble has been busy rehearsing in the lead-up to the festival, working hard to refine their sound, develop tight ensemble playing, and prepare a challenging and vibrant program.
This is an amazing opportunity for our students to perform on a national stage, hear outstanding school and professional bands, and be inspired by some of Australia’s and International leading jazz musicians. We are especially thrilled to be returning to Generations in Jazz after eight years away and look forward to sharing the experience and achievements of our students with the school community.
We are also proud to share that JJ Braithwaite (Class of 2025) has been selected as one of the finalists for the prestigious James Morrison Instrumental Scholarship, an incredible individual achievement that truly reflects JJ’s musical abilities and growth. We look forward to seeing his performance at the festival.
SCI-FI STRING NIGHT - MONDAY 4 MAY
Blast off into another galaxy at McKinnon’s Sci‑Fi String Night on Monday 4 May at the East Campus. Our string students will perform a dynamic program of space-themed music inspired by science fiction films, futuristic worlds and epic cosmic adventures.
Families and friends are warmly invited to join us for this spectacular evening as we celebrate the creativity and dedication of our string students. Come along, embrace the theme, and enjoy a night of stellar music on May the Fourth!
CLAREMONT TERRACE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE – VCE MUSIC STUDENTS
VCE Music students will once again be heading to Claremont Terrace for a community performance on Monday 18 May. Students will present a varied program for residents, showcasing solo and small ensemble work they have been preparing in class.
This visit continues McKinnon’s long-standing relationship with Claremont Terrace and provides a real performance opportunity for our senior music students, while also giving back to the local community. We thank Ms Georgina Mead and the VCE Music teachers for organising this event and supporting our musicians in their preparation.
ELECTIVE ENSEMBLES: DAYS AND TIMES
Elective Ensembles: Students are reminded that participation in elective ensembles is contingent upon regular attendance at their designated core ensemble rehearsals. In order to maintain enrolment in the Instrumental Music Program, students must consistently attend both their instrumental lessons and their assigned core ensembles. Elective ensemble opportunities are available to students who meet these participation requirements.
McKinnon Campus
World Music Ensemble (McK Rd) - Monday lunchtime
Junior Choir - Monday lunchtime
Intermediate Stage Band - Monday after school (3:30-4:30pm)
Senior Singers - Tuesday before and after school (7:35-8:35am; 3:15-4:30pm)
Senior Double Reed Ensemble - Tuesday lunchtime
Senior Stage Band - Tuesday after school (3:30-5:00pm)
Chamber Strings - Wednesday lunchtime
Senior Percussion Ensemble - Friday lunchtime
East Campus
East String Quartet - Monday lunchtime
Intermediate Percussion Ensemble - Tuesday lunchtime
World Music Ensemble (East) - Tuesday lunchtime
Double Bass Quartet - Tuesday lunchtime
Training Stage Band - Thursday before school (7:40-8:30am)
Junior Stage Band - Friday before school (7:40-8:30am)
Junior Double Reed Ensemble - Friday lunchtime
Dmitry Serebrianik
Learning Area Manager – Performing Arts