🎼 NOTES FROM MUSIC 🎵

The McClelland College Music Department proudly presented our Semester One Music Concert on Tuesday 23 June, and it was a huge success! Offering over 90 minutes of continuous live music, our students showcased an impressive range of ensembles, soloists and contemporary performances, highlighting the incredible talent, commitment and growth within our Music Program. From students performing in their very first ensemble through to our experienced VCE Music performers, every student took to the stage with confidence and pride.

One of the highlights of the evening was our outstanding team of student MCs – Chelsea Vriesen, Angus Walker, Skye Aspromonte and Dexter Budd. They entertained the audience with confidence, humour and personality, helping the evening flow seamlessly between performances. Dexter set the tone from the very beginning, opening the concert by confidently declaring, "You can all refer to me as Mr Budd from now on!" The audience immediately burst into laughter, setting the tone for an evening filled with warmth, confidence and quick wit from all four MCs.

For me personally, it was a particularly special occasion. My son, Dexter, has been visiting McClelland College since he was a baby, spending countless hours in the Music Department while I ran after-school rehearsals, weekend productions and concerts. Standing beside him on stage for his very first official McClelland College Music Concert as a student was a proud and memorable moment. It is always special to watch our students grow as musicians and young people, but when it is your own child, it hits a little differently.

Our audience was treated to an exciting and varied program presented by the Clarinet Ensemble, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Stage Band, VCE Music students, Intermediate Band, Choir and Concert Band, all looking incredibly professional in their concert blacks. A special thank you also goes to Maverick Gilmour, who provided live piano music as guests entered the PAC.

It was wonderful to welcome so many families, friends and members of the local community. We even had some very important people in attendance – the children of Principal Laura Dowdell Spence and Assistant Principal Danielle Harry, who were performing on the night in their own way. We also appreciated Assistant Principal Andrew Hemsley joining us to support the Music Department and celebrate the achievements of our students.

Most importantly, I was incredibly proud of the way our students supported one another throughout the evening. The encouragement backstage, enthusiastic applause and genuine celebration of each other's performances truly reflected the positive culture we continue to build within the McClelland College Music Department.

Concerts like this don't just showcase musical talent; they celebrate the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging that music creates. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a memorable success.

Thank you to our dedicated Instrumental Music staff – Michelle Cleland, Vicki Shen, Jordan Warwick, Aleks Folvig, Nicholas Pearce, Kim Starr and Samuel Chilver – and to all our families for their ongoing support. We look forward to sharing many more musical experiences with our College and the wider community throughout the year.

Regards,

Eric Budd - Head of Music, McClelland College