PERFORMING ARTS

STAFFING CHANGES

Dmitry Serebrianik is now on well-deserved leave, traveling to Europe with his family. We wish him well and hope he has an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating time away. In his place we are pleased to acknowledge trumpet teachers Oscar Mason joining the Instrumental music team at McKinnon Road on Mondays and Tuesdays, and James Davine joining the team at East Campus on Thursdays and Fridays. Karen Nansen is now working full time at McKinnon and will be acting as Instrumental Music Manager in Dmitry’s absence.

Thank you to the fantastic Grace James who replaced Sergei Golovko while he was on leave the last two weeks.

We are also excited to announce Zoe Bartholomeusz joining the team as our administration assistant. Her work will be greatly loved by all on the team.

BRASS NIGHT

Congratulations to all who participated in the annual Brass Night at McKinnon Secondary College on Tuesday 13 August! The evening was a remarkable success, featuring over 100 talented performers who showcased their dedication and passion for music.

The audience enjoyed a captivating array of solos, duets, and group performances, highlighting the unique skills of each musician.

Special thanks to the guest artists whose contributions elevated the event and provided invaluable experiences for our students. The enthusiastic audience played a crucial role, their support creating an encouraging atmosphere for the performers.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated multimedia team ensured everything ran smoothly, contributing to the event's success. Congratulations to the brass staff, performers, and everyone involved in making this night an unforgettable celebration of talent and community spirit!

Dmitry Serebrianik

Music Teacher

EISTEDDFOD NEWS

Recently the Eisteddfod By The Bay held it's Junior Vocal Section (up to the age of 18) at the Kingston Arts Centre. Anthony Kostelac (12H), Dhaanvi Sharma (11P) and Daniela Tapia Leal (10P) all competed in various sections and heard other singers perform a wide repertoire. Daniela sang very well with her performance of Feeling Good by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Anthony and Dhaanvi were lucky enough to come second in their duet section, singing the the engaging duet 'Notice Me Horton' from Seussical the Musical by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

Blanka West

Music Teacher

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL – continued

Following on from the jazz band section of the Victorian Schools Music Festival a few weeks ago where our Intermediate Stage Band participated, this week it was the turn of the orchestras. The McKinnon Orchestra showcased its skills in the Symphony Orchestra section on Tuesday 20 August, after members enjoyed dinner together at Sofia’s. As always, it was an exciting and valuable experience for students to hear orchestras from other schools performing, and to learn from the adjudicator’s on-stage tutorial sessions.

The next day, Keenan Strings also travelled to Hawthorn Arts Centre to play in the Intermediate String Orchestra section. The students performed three pieces: Thundersnow!, Pirattitde and Land of Dragons, then worked with leading adjudicator in a workshop, and spent time watching other schools perform.

Congratulations to the Orchestra students who attained a Silver placing in the Symphony Orchestra Section, and congratulations to the Keenan Strings students who achieved a Bronze placing in the VSMF Intermediate String Orchestra Section!

We wish the Wind Symphony and Ovenden Band, who will participate in Concert Band sessions the week after next, the very best of luck.

Tracy Videon & Georgina Mead

Music Teachers

FUTURE DATES

Please note that there are a large number of performances this term. Our major performance will be the Winter Concert - and you will receive direct communications from me regarding this in the next few weeks. This concert is a highlight for the Instrumental Music faculty, and we look forward to celebrating our music making with you at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University.

Please note these dates for the term:

Winter Concert: Wednesday 28 August 2024 (Monash University - Robert Blackwood Hall)
VSMF (Wind Symphony performance): Tuesday 3 September 2024
VSMF (Ovenden Band performance): Thursday 5 September 2024
Years 11 and 12 Music Night: Wednesday 11 September 2024 (McKinnon Road Theatre)

ENSEMBLES

Core ensembles days and times

McKinnon Road campus (Auditorium)

Choir (vocal students 10-12): Tuesday lunchtime
Wind Symphony: Tuesday after school (3:30 - 5pm)
Orchestra: Thursday after school (3:30 - 5pm)

East campus (VG.1)

East Campus Choir (Vocal students Years 8 - 9): Monday lunchtime
Keenan Strings: Monday after school (3:30 – 4:30pm)
Ovenden Band: Wednesday after school (3:30 – 4:30pm)

All other ensembles are by invitation and/or audition only, and dependent on ongoing commitment to the core ensemble.

MUSIC CLUB - EAST CAMPUS

Every Wednesday in VG1. Musicians of every level are welcome to come and work on some performance skills, song writing, or even just jamming with friends.

WINTER CONCERT TICKETING

Tickets for the concert are currently on sale and can be found using this link

https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/mckinnon-winter-concert/

WHEELCHAIR/ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Wheelchair/Accessible seating can only be purchased by sending a purchase request to boxoffice@monash.edu.

Ticket prices are:

Standard $20, Child/Concession $16, and Group of 6 $81.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Instrumental Managers on imt-managers@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

Megan Papworth

Learning Area Manager - Performing Arts