PERFORMING ARTS

What an amazing year it has been! There have been so many highlights throughout the year from students at every year level, we are spoiled for choice. Thank you to all students who have really demonstrated their developing creativity through performance throughout the year. Thank you to all our parents and families for your ongoing support of the faculty and giving us the privilege of working with your children. I would personally like to thank the entire Performing Arts team for their tireless work over this year, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with you all as we go from strength to strength.

FAREWELLS

We say goodbye and farewell to Ms Karen Nansen, who will be leaving us to teach at other schools. Your passion for music will be missed by many, staff and students alike.

We also say goodbye and farewell to Mr Martin West, who will be leaving McKinnon Secondary College to focus on his role as one of the regional coordinators. After so many years at McKinnon he will be greatly missed - his enthusiastic approach with the beginners in Year 7 Band, the work with the fabulous Saxophone Quartet, and his mentorship of many staff, me included. We wish you well.

MARY POPPINS

Auditions have been held for current students - and it was amazing to see so many talented students putting themselves forward to be part of the school show next year. You made the job of selecting the cast incredibly difficult and we congratulate those who successfully auditioned for the 2025 Musical. There will be an opportunity for new students to join the cast next year. The cast held their first rehearsal on Wednesday 4 December at the McKinnon Road campus, and it was a great session where students started the journey of learning some choreography and got to know students from other year levels.

INSTRUMENT STOCKTAKE AND HOLIDAY HIRE

Thank you to the amazing students who have assisted in the stocktake of all the hired musical equipment over the last few days. Your work has been highly appreciated by all the staff. 

Students who are hiring instruments over the holidays will be contacted in the near future when their instrument is ready for collection.

GRADE 6 ORIENTATION

Congratulations to the Intermediate Stage Band, directed by Stuart Byrne, for their outstanding performance to welcome the new Grade 6 students and their parents at the Orientation Night on Monday 9 December. Your developing standard and dedication to improving performance skills are highly appreciated.

We were greatly inspired by the many, many new Grade 6 students who took part in the instrument trials as part of their orientation to McKinnon Secondary College, on Tuesday 10 December. Thank you to the many students and staff who worked with these enthusiastic students in the demonstrations and trials.

PRESENTATION NIGHT 

The Senior Stage Band and vocalist Olivia Capurro-Martinez (Year 11)  will perform at the 2024 Presentation Night on Tuesday 17 December, under the direction of Andrew Albanis. It will be a terrific way to complete the music performances for the year.

Megan Papworth

Learning Area Manager – Performing Arts

BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH CAROLS SERVICE

On Sunday 8 December McKinnon's Christmas Choir brought some Christmas spirit to a morning church service at Bentleigh Uniting Church. Dressed in the red choir uniforms they processed down the aisle singing Gaudete in Latin with soloists Olivia Capurro-Martinez (Year 11) and Felix De Lemos (Year 11) singing each alternate verse.

The students performed and also led several carols with the congregation, and Nikki Bharathy (Year 8), Odella Fernandes (Year 8) and Zimo Deng (Year 7) helped to put decorations on their Christmas tree. 

Rev Julie Walker gave everyone a Christmas bell and we finished with the lively round of "Merry Christmas To You All" and were treated to lots of yummy sandwiches, steamed dumplings and cakes for a morning tea.

Many congregation members came up to say how wonderfully they sang and how the choral singing touched their hearts. One said it was the best she has heard them!

Thanks to Ms Tracy Videon who joined the excursion and who also sang with the ensemble.

Blanka West

Choral Director

McKINNON EAST MUSIC CLUB STUDENTS

As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that you have accomplished and reflect on the amazing music that we have created this year.

Music has the power to bring people together, inspire others, and express ideas. Over the past year, music club students have shown that power in so many ways - through dedication in rehearsals, creativity in performances, and through support for one another as a group. Each student has brought something unique to this club, and together, you have created something truly special.

Whether you found joy in learning new instruments, composing original pieces, or simply sharing your love for music with others, know that you have all grown - not just as musicians, but as people. Your hard work, courage, and passion is inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of your achievements as individuals and as a group.

As you all move forward, I encourage you to carry these lessons of music with you:

•    Listen intently:  Whether to a melody, a friend, or yourself, listening will always lead you to connection.

•    Practice:  Every missed note and difficult passage teaches you resilience. Skills that will serve you well in life.

•    Share your music:  Whether in a concert hall or at a local gig, your talent has the power to inspire others.

To the Year 9s, thank you for being a part of this journey and for making the music club a fun place to create music. I wish you all the best in your next adventures, and I hope you continue to let your passion for music shine.

To the Year 8s, I look forward to building on your successes and seeing you continue next year.

And thank you to Jacob Hollingsworth (Year 9), for your consistent support at rehearsals and adding to the overall culture of the club, well done. Your contribution has been integral to the success of the music club this year.

Kind regards, 

Ben Browne

Music Teacher