Music Notes

Nicole Bull, Academic Dean of Performing Arts

Jazz Cabaret

Melody Xu and Edgar Chen, Year 12

The Jazz Cabaret was held on Friday 22 March at the Glen Eira Town Hall, which once again turned into a vibrant stage for students to show off their talents.  

On the night, the audience were left speechless by the wide array of jazz and blues music performed by a diverse range of soloists and ensembles. This not only showcased the impressive talents of our music and dance students but also highlighted the immense dedication of the music staff who worked consistently and tirelessly on curating the performances.

Thank you to all the staff, captains and students who allowed this night to run as smoothly as it did, and also to all the parents who supported their children in their music learning journey. 

Senior School Production – High School Musical

Kilvington students are busy working on our Senior School Production, High School Musical, which will be staged this term! 

Here's a sneak peek of the musical's storyline:

'Troy Bolton', the star athlete at a small-town high school, falls for nerdy beauty, 'Gabriella Montez', at a holiday karaoke party. When they return to campus, Troy and Gabriella audition for the upcoming school musical. Meanwhile, the jealous 'Sharpay Evans' conspires to squelch their chances. The two must struggle to make it to auditions while also meeting their existing obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon.

We have our first full cast Sunday rehearsal in Dalton Hall on Sunday 5 May, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Production Dates:

• Thursday 16 May, 7.30 – 10.00pm
• Friday 17 May, 7.30 – 10.00pm
• Saturday 18 May, 7.30 – 10.00pm

To purchase your tickets, visit the Trybooking link or use the QR Code below. We look forward to seeing everyone at the show!  

Winter Concert - auditions for solo performers

Years 5 to 8 students have an opportunity to give a solo performance at the Winter Concert. 

Auditions for the Winter Concert will be held in Week 4 of Term 2. Sign-up sheets are available in Music Reception. Here are the audition dates: 

• Monday 6 May - JS Lunchtime, JS Music Room 
• Wednesday 8 May - SS Lunchtime, Music Room 
• Thursday 9 May - JS Lunchtime, JS Music Room 
• Friday 10 May - SS Lunchtime, Music School 

Also, please note that this concert will start at 6.00pm on Thursday 13 June (not 7.00pm).

Friday Lunchtime Masterclasses

Sign-up sheets for the Friday Lunchtime Senior Masterclass are in the PVC foyer. There's no need to sign up for Junior Masterclass - just turn up and join in. Students presenting a work with piano accompaniment are asked to bring along the piano part with them or pass it onto Mrs Kate Cole beforehand. 

Welcome to Zara Barrett – Voice teacher 

Zara Barrett started out as a French Horn player at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, before making the switch to Voice. She won the Opera Foundation Shell Covent Garden Award which allowed her to study at the prestigious National Opera Studio in London. 

Zara has also been a three-time regional finalist for the Metropolitan Award, both here and in the US, leading her to do her postgraduate studies at Oberlin Conservatory, one of the world's leading music institutions. 

Zara became a Young Artist Member with Glimmerglass Opera and worked with the Pittsburgh Opera over a number of years. In 2011, she won the Opera Awards, enabling her to go to Germany where she studied the language and worked with leading coaches.

Zara has performed both here and overseas in leading roles for Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia, Melbourne Opera, New Zealand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Pittsburgh Opera and Australian International Productions (China). As a performer, she has also embraced the Concert and Recital Halls in a variety of repertoire.

Her principal operatic roles include Bruennhilde (The Ring Cycle), Turandot, Aida, Minnie (La Fancuilla del West), Suor Angelica, The Witch (Hansel and Gretel), Mimi (La Boheme), Abagaille (Nabucco), Musetta (La Boheme), Vitellia (La Clemenza di Tito), The Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro) and Judith (Bluebeard’s Castle). 

Teaching voice is also real passion for Zara, whether it be in classical, contemporary or other musical genres. She focuses not only on technique, but also on inspiring students to bring out the very best in themselves and in their voice so that they can be well-rounded performers.  

Zara is inspired to work with the students here at Kilvington and to make a positive impact in our already supportive and nurturing environment.

Top Class Music Performances

On Wednesday 20 March, the VCE music students from Units 1 and 3 had the opportunity to attend two concerts as part of the annual Top Class Music Performances at the Recital Centre.

The Top Class Music event showcased exceptional young musicians who have achieved high grades in their VCE music performance examinations in the previous year. The concerts, hosted by Assessors and the VCAA’s Curriculum Manager for the Performing Arts, featured a variety of instruments, interpretations and styles performed by both soloists and groups.

These concerts provided a unique opportunity for our students to appreciate a diverse range of musical talent. Students were able to witness the dedication and skill required to achieve top results in music performance.

Diary dates - Term 2