Music 

Congratulations to the Thursday Big Band-Gold at VSMF 

The Music ensembles at Blackburn HS have begun the competition and concert season this week, with one of our junior jazz ensembles, the Thursday Big Band traveling to the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF) on Tuesday 15 August. The group performed exceptionally well and received a Gold award for their efforts. They also had the opportunity to work with the adjudicator, Mr Dan Quigley, afterwards who was effusive in his praise of the group.   

Blackburn Vocal Ensemble 

Blackburn Vocal Ensemble performed at Royal South Street Society Competition in Ballarat on Wednesday (23/08). They were the first ensemble from BHS to perform, ahead of a number of other school bands and small ensembles. Receiving an impressive 86 points out of a possible 100, our students ranked fourth amongst some incredible competitors. 

The group, has challenged themselves to present a set of three completely new pieces for the competition, performed to an amazing personal best. 

They presented a challenging programme of "God Help the Outcasts" from Hunchback of Notre Dame, with solos by Lucy and Evie, "Why Do We Exist?" from "To Enter the Dream which Includes All Dreams" by Prof. Linda Kouvaras, and a bossa nova arrangement of "Fly Me to the Moon" with an improvised scat solo by Amy. 

Thank you to all students who have been involved in the group, and to Mr. Jason Ziino for his assistance, support, and incredible bus driving prowess! 

Earlier in the term BHS Music hosted a workshop with Professor Linda Kouvaras from the University of Melbourne to workshop her composition, which has challenged all in the ensemble. We also thank her for her expertise, advice, and fantastic choral writing. 

The group will again perform at the Spring Concert on Wednesday, September 13.  

Mr. Liam. Whitbourn, Director and Accompanist of Blackburn Vocal Ensemble. 

Below is a photo of the group outside of the Civic Hall following their performance.

Wednesday, August 23 saw the return of our ensembles to Ballarat with the Vocal Ensemble performing as part of the Royal South Street Eisteddfod where they an presented an exciting and well-rounded performance. 

On Friday, August 25 the Senior Jazz Orchestra and Intermediate Big Band were part of a Jazz @ Lincoln Centre workshop at Caulfield Grammar. During this, they presented pieces they have been working on and worked with JALC Orchestra member Nicole Glover. 

 Monday, August 28 saw the return of BHS alumnus, Ross Irwin to work with students from across the program. A founding member of the Cat Empire and highly regarded musician and composer, Ross provided great insights and feedback. 

All of these activities not only helped our students learn how to be better musicians, but also better team members and citizens.  

This week we will be in Ballarat for the return of the Royal South Street Eisteddfod bands competition. Information for all students involved is available in XUNO. 

Spring Music Concert 

Only 2 weeks until the annual Spring Concert where you can see many of the great ensembles that have been preparing for the festivals and competitions, we are playing in. Tickets are available at https://www.trybooking.com/CKOSJ  

Voice lessons 

Extra places have now become available for students wishing to have voice lessons. To apply for these, fill out the form at  

We have available for students wishing to have voice lessons. 

To apply for these, fill out the form at Voice lessons 

Extra places have now become available for students wishing to have voice lessons. To apply for these, fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/0BMzz1hq9x

South Street Music Competition 

Congratulations to Jason Ziino, the music students, and the staff from the South Street Music competition which is currently being held (6-8 September) in Ballarat following 4 years of interruptions. 

The Blackburn High School bands performed well, but more importantly, they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to perform together.

Novice Band - 2nd place 74/100

Junior Band - 3rd place 80/100

Concert Band - 88.5/100

Symphonic Band 1st place 94/100”