Music Program
Vocal Night #2
The Semester #2 Vocal Night this year was a showcase of talent and particularly highlighted a lot more Year 9 soloists than usual, most of them being their first solo at MGSC, like Stella Fu with her great rendition of 'Dangerously' by Charlie Puth.
Songs from various genres, starting with the brave Year 7 duet (Tia Allan and Evie Daley) going right through to Year 12s, entertained the audience of supportive family members and friends. The three large groups of Year 8 students did very well incorporating their solos into their song presentations. There were also some duets, like Year10s Ely Ross and Verity Goudge singing 'Until I Found You' with beautiful harmonies and Year 9s Keira Nguyen and Verity Weetman who sang us the beautiful song 'That Would Be Enough' from 'Hamilton'.
MCs Year 12s Jessie Inglis and Allegra Pera kept the ball smoothly rolling by introducing the acts as well as singing some fab songs for us. Other highlights included Year 11 Alice Earl singing in French (language teachers please note!) 'Je ne regrette rien', Year 11 Tara Haigh singing Missy Higgins' 'Sound of White' so convincingly without a microphone and Yolanda Kang ending the night with her own band which featured her sister Vivian on electric guitar.
The All Star Choir and Madrigal did a great job with some spirituals, a Maori welcome song which included a cello drone by Chloe Knoche, a jazzy 'What'll I Do?' in four part harmony and Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' 'Die With A Smile'.
Huge thanks to Ms Sarah Jacobs and her Year 9 team from the Mainstage Music Class who downloaded all the tracks, set up and monitored sound and staging for the night.
Thanks also to Ms Harvey for her accompanying and overseeing and to Mr Ho for working with the Allstar Choir through the year!
Well done to ALL the students for their hard work and courage to present at the night!
Ms Blanka West
Voice Teacher/Choral Director
VCE Music
This week, our VCE Music class was delighted to welcome back Rebecca Dodd (parent of Eva Staude, Year 12) for another inspiring performance and discussion. It’s always a pleasure to have visiting musicians in the classroom, as students gain so much from hearing live performances and learning about real-world musical experiences. Currently studying at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Rebecca shared valuable insights from her Performance Psychology studies — particularly relevant for our Year 12 students as they present their final recitals. Her practical strategies for preparing and performing were greatly appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming her back next year to share more of her expertise and musicianship.
RSL Mentone Gig Night
The annual Mentone RSL Gig was held last week, featuring the Stage Band, Madrigal and the two guitar ensembles, Don’t Fret and Nonchalant. A fabulous casual night of fabulous entertainment shared over a meal with students and their families and staff.
Congratulations to the students from each of the ensembles. We were able to also acknowledge our Year 12 students soon to leave us. Senior groups don’t exist without the seniors, and it is with their experiences that we are able to offer such a range of high-level performance opportunities. Alos noted that night was the support from the Year 11 cohort who have worked so closely with the Year 12 students and are in a great position to lead next year.
And again we say huge thanks to all the music staff for their work with the students- Blanka West, David Seedsman, Sue Cook and Eric Ho.
Art & Design Show performances
Congratulations to all students and staff who supported the VCE Art & Design Show last week by performing during the evening. Performances by the Senior Strings, along with a range of talented vocalists and instrumentalists, added a vibrant and engaging atmosphere to the event, beautifully complementing the outstanding visual art on display.
SEVR
Our expanding music program and awarding winning students were featured in a recent edition of the SEVR newsletter
Ms Wendy Harvey
Director of Performing Arts
Music at MGSC
MGSC now has a video that gives a taste of the music program featuring footage from the Spring Concert.
Dogs for Life like Indy!
You may have seen the amazing Indy in the classroom or walking around MGSC. A vivacious Springer Spaniel with a fluffy tail and a cheeky glint in her eye. She brings joy to the faces of so many students and staff when they see her and a sense of calmness and ease to the classroom.
Indy was fostered by a generous family and trained by the wonderful team at Dogs For Life. We will be forever grateful to the foster family who loved and cared for her and helped her to grow into an amazing working dog.
Dogs for Life are seeking families to foster families and reached out to MGSC as we know how special their work is.
