Music News
Vermont Secondary College
Vermont Secondary College
Rookie Band Joins Regional Workshop
On Friday 23 October, eight of our Rookie Band students took part in the Rookie Band Workshop, joining young musicians from schools across the North Eastern Victorian Region for a full day of music making.
Students worked in sectionals with tutors from a range of schools in the region, focusing on tone, technique and playing together as an ensemble. They then joined the full massed band under special guest conductor Mr Joseph Yu, rehearsing two pieces: Step by Step and Market in Marrakesh.
For many of our students, this was their first experience of playing in a large ensemble alongside students from other schools, and they rose to the occasion. It was wonderful to see them grow in confidence over the day and come away with new skills and new friendships.
The workshop also capped off a big year for the group. We're proud to announce that all members of the Rookie Band have now been promoted to the Concert Band! Their first performance in their new ensemble will be on Tuesday 8 December at Orientation Day, where they'll welcome our 2027 Year 7 students to Vermont Secondary College.
"When we first arrived at Ashwood High School, we saw so many other music players just like us from so many different schools that had come to play there. Many were also beginners just like me, and there were so many music instructors coming along as well. We started the band by doing a few important breathing exercises and posture improvements, before getting our first notes of the day in. Then, we had our recess break and the canteen staff at Ashwood High baked us massive cookies to eat! Afterward, we broke off into our instrument groups, and I was part of the trumpet group. There, I met Mr. Conway, our instructor for the afternoon. We learned the new pieces for the day and discussed how to improve our playing style. Finally, after our lunch break and finishing the giant cookie, we all came together and played as a band, reciting our songs for us to perform when the parents arrived. We played our pieces wonderfully to the audience, and it sounded so good!"
Ronav Sudharsan
Thank you to Mr Yu and all the tutors for sharing their time and expertise, and to our families for their continued support of the Instrumental Music program.
Instrumental Music: Finishing 2026 and Looking to 2027
It has been a busy and rewarding year for Instrumental Music at Vermont Secondary College, and there is plenty still to come before the year is out.
Vermont on Show – Thursday 19 November – The Symphonic Band and our small ensembles, including the Brass Roots and the String Quartet, will be performing throughout Vermont on Show. Scan the QR code on the night to find set times, a map of performance spaces and information for families of incoming Year 7 students. Prospective students can also have a go on all the orchestral instruments we offer in the program, in the Music Space from 6–7pm. Come along and hear what our students have been working on.
Orientation Day – Tuesday 8 December – The Choir and our newly promoted Concert Band will welcome the 2027 Year 7 cohort with performances on Orientation Day.
Learning an instrument in 2027 - The Instrumental Music program is open to students at every year level, whether they are complete beginners or already playing. Students receive weekly lessons and join one of our ensembles, which range from beginner bands through to Symphonic Band, jazz, strings and contemporary groups. Instrument trials will run in Week 2 of Term 1, but you are welcome to come and enquire at any time. Simply speak to Mr Mizzi or any of our music staff in the Music Office.