PERFORMING ARTS

Welcome back to an incredibly exciting and full performance term! Students have already started working on their ensemble skills, as well as their individual musical skills. We are really looking forward to sharing our work with you throughout the term.

Welcome to Tim Rex, who has joined the Instrumental Music teaching team from the start of term replacing Colleen Wurfel until the end of the year. Tim will be at the East campus on Thursdays and McKinnon Road campus on Fridays. Please make him welcome.

PRACTISING MUSIC

A number of parents with students who have started learning a musical instrument have spoken in length to all the music teachers (instrumental and classroom alike) about the need to practice and how to help their children start to set up their own routines. The following article may assist with a number of suggestions:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-22/why-kids-need-to-practise-music-and-how-to-get-them-motivated/105177836

ANZAC DAY

On Friday 25 April, 2025, McKinnon Secondary College students attended the Bentleigh RSL Cenotaph for the Anzac Day service. 

The event brought the community together to honour the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand service members. Early in the ceremony, vocalists performed “I Am Australian,” followed by the Brass Ensemble and singers presenting both National Anthems to close the service.

We thank Dmitry Serebrianik and Blanka West for organising the rehearsals and performances. McKinnon Secondary College was proud to take part in this meaningful commemoration, which offered a chance to reflect on our history and left a lasting impression on all who attended.

AMAZING SUCCESS

JJ Braithwaite (Year 12) has been selected to attend the prestigious 2025 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics, taking place from 8 to 20 July in Perugia, Italy. This intensive 12-day program, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, brings together over 200 talented high school and college-aged musicians from around the world for a unique educational experience led by renowned Berklee College of Music faculty. 

Participants engage in group lessons, ensembles, theory, improvisation classes, and masterclasses with world-class instructors. The program runs alongside the internationally acclaimed Umbria Jazz Festival, allowing students to attend concerts and participate in daily jam sessions. JJ's selection is a testament to his dedication and musical talent, offering him the chance to further develop his skills, collaborate with peers, and immerse himself in the vibrant jazz community.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Thank you to the many amazing senior performers who took part in the General Assembly at the East Campus on Tuesday 29 April. Thank you to Olivia Capurro-Martinez (Year 12) and the Senior String Ensemble for the fantastic rendition of the National Anthem.

Congratulations also to the Senior Stage Band who performed Come Out Swingin’ by Larry Neeck and were then joined by the Senior String Orchestra, Love is Blue by André Popp and Paul Mauriat. 

Thank you also to Arnav Mahajan (Year 12) who played the Last Post to help mark ANZAC Day. We also thank the Senior Singing group, who performed I Am Australian at the end of the assembly. 

Thank you to Dmitry Serebrianik, Georgina Mead and Blanka West for their amazing work with all of these ensembles and students in preparation for the assembly.

OVENDEN BAND CAPTAINS ANNOUNCEMENT

Recently, Ovenden Band members had the opportunity to apply to the two available roles of Band Captains by submitting a written nomination. We were blown away by the quality of the applications - each one showcased impressive leadership skills, musical talent, and valuable experience.

The two successful applicants were awarded with their badges in rehearsal last week and we look forward to seeing them flourish in the roles this year.

A huge thank you to everyone who applied, and congratulations to our newly appointed Band Captains:Sebastian Le (Year 9) andKhushi Deshmukh (Year 9)!

DATES FOR TERM 2 - PLEASE MARK YOUR DIARIES!

Megan Papworth

Learning Area Manager – Performing Arts