Music Notes

Kurt Abell, Head of Instrumental Music 

It’s been a busy end to Term 2 for the Music Department, with three separate performances held last week showcasing students from almost every year level across the School.

Congratulations to all the talented students who took part - your hard work, dedication and passion were on full display. Thank you also to the parents, families and friends who came along to support our performers!

Years 2 and 3 String Program Concert

On Tuesday 17 June, the Years 2 and 3 String Program Concert took place in Dalton Hall. 

The audience was treated to a wonderful selection of pieces performed by each year level, along with combined items featuring all of the students on stage together. 

Congratulations to all our Years 2 and 3 students on their terrific progress, and thank you to the dedicated Strings Department staff for their guidance and support.

Year 5 Band Concert

The Year 5 Band Concert was held on Thursday 19 June, with an appreciative audience enjoying the wonderful progress made by our budding musicians. In addition to performing as a full ensemble, each instrument group had the opportunity to showcase a favourite piece they'd learned during the semester.

A special highlight this year was the involvement of our Head of Junior School, Mr Lucas Collins, who joined Year 5M students in learning a new instrument. Both students and audience members enjoyed hearing about his musical journey, with his reflections adding a personal and encouraging touch to the evening!

Congratulations to all Year 5 students on their hard work and musical achievements, and thank you to our dedicated Music staff for their support.

Keyboard Collaboration Piano Recital

On Thursday 19 June, Kilvington hosted its much-anticipated Keyboard Collaboration Piano Recital - a special event celebrating the art of ensemble piano playing. Nearly 50 students from ELC to Year 11 took to the stage, performing in a range of duets, trios and large group pieces.

The evening featured a diverse and entertaining program, including a powerful two-piano rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, the thrilling Pirates of the Caribbean theme, and a dramatic performance of Bach’s Toccata in D minor. Each performance was a joyful display of teamwork, musicianship and creative expression.

Congratulations to all the students who performed so confidently, and thank you to Ms Kate Cole, Head of Keyboard, and our dedicated team of piano teachers for making the event such a success.

Music achievements - Ringwood and Boroondara Eisteddfods

Sarah Bouquet, Piano Teacher

We are proud to congratulate four of Kilvington’s dedicated piano students - Harrison Zhou, Aedan He, Reina Xu and Roxy Weng - on their recent participation in the Ringwood and Boroondara Eisteddfods over the past month.

These talented students demonstrated outstanding commitment, practising daily in preparation for their performances. Their hard work culminated in confident appearances before large audiences that included fellow students, proud families and internationally recognised adjudicators.

Participating in such prestigious and competitive events is a remarkable achievement. We commend Harrison, Aedan, Reina, and Roxy for their courage, discipline and musical excellence! Well done! 

AMEB results

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding recent AMEB achievements:

• Adam Sheridan – Year 3 Oboe
• Pounny Zhou – Year 6 Viola

Well done to both students on their dedication and musical progress!

Kadenza Intermediate Band – new students welcome

Year 5 students and any others currently learning a band instrument are invited to join the Kadenza Intermediate Band. This ensemble is a great opportunity to build confidence, extend your skills and enjoy making music with others.

Rehearsals take place on Thursday afternoons until 4.30pm.

If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Mr Kurt Abell, Head of Instrumental Music.

Annual Concert – 18 August

Our Annual Concert will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Monday 18 August at 7.30pm. We look forward to sharing this special evening with the Kilvington community.

Further details and ticketing information will be shared early in Term 3. As tickets are limited, we encourage families to book promptly once released.

Please also note that there will be a rehearsal for all performance groups on Sunday 3 August. More information will follow at the start of Term 3.

Victorian School Music Festival – 26 August

The Kilvington Concert Band will be performing at the Victorian School Music Festival on Tuesday 26 August. The band will depart Kilvington at 2.30pm and return around 7.00pm. Parents and friends are welcome to attend the performance at the Hawthorn Arts Centre.

Paul McDermott Violin Scholarship

Established in 1980 to honour the much-loved violinist, conductor and founder of the Australian Musicians' Guild, Paul McDermott, this scholarship continues to support outstanding young Victorian violinists. 

The $1500 award offers a unique opportunity for performance and further study, recognising exceptional talent in players under 15.

Auditions for this year's competition will take place on Sunday, 3 August. Students who wish to audition should submit their applications by Friday, 18 July 2025. Find more information here. To apply for the audition, click here.

Diary dates - Term 3