MUSIC
VOCAL NIGHT
What an amazing fortnight we have had in the lead up to the end of term.
Congratulations to all the vocal students who took part in the second Vocal Night on Thursday 7 September in the Lecture Theatre. Thank you also to Ms Blanka West for her ongoing commitment to the musical development of these students. If you wish to view the evening’s entertainment, please use this link to the video of the event.
ARTICLE BY CLARE WEVER
On Thursday 7 September, McKinnon held it’s second Vocal Night for 2017. The evening began with a beautiful performance by the McKinnon Choir of “A Thousand Years” written by Christina Perri and David Hodges, featuring a solo from Maddison Brown-Graham, followed by a joyful rendition of “Follow your Dreams” by Paul Jarman featuring Grace James on percussion. This lively opening was soon followed by an array of genres of music from Jazz to Musical Theatre, Classical to Rap, there was no shortage of vocal versatility displayed by our students, much to enjoyment of our warm audience.
The high performance standard brought in the first half only continued to shine after interval where audience members could sneak a quick cup of tea and a biscuit thanks to Mr David Machin and the Antips team. As well, our hosts Isabella Eikelis and Eriks Stepanuks were on their toes the entire time and gave fantastic introductions to each item, maintaining a contagious uplifted mood throughout the night. Thank you for your efforts!
There were so many incredible performances during the showcase including one of the highlights for many, the rendition of a choral arrangement of the musical “Hamilton” by the Senior Singers. This piece required not only choral skill, but also ensemble dance ability and stage presence by all, and the group did not fail to deliver. Numerous solos throughout the number were also expertly performed and gave the performance a unique character. A fitting finish to end an eventful and entertaining evening.
A big thank you is in order for the Sound, Lighting and Tech team directed by Nick Xanthoudakis and all backstage helpers (Chloe James and Clare Wever) who kept the show moving and flowing seamlessly. Thanks to Mr Krause for photos and Year 12 media student Savanna Wegman for making the movie of the night. Lastly, an extra big thank you to Ms Papworth, Mrs Figueira and Ms West for their leadership and assistance during the evening, whether that be conducting, playing accompaniment parts, or providing general assistance to performers. I know everyone was extremely grateful for your dedication to the students. We couldn’t have had such a successful evening without you!
Clare Wever
Year 9 Student
PERCUSSION NIGHT
Congratulations to all the students who took part in the Percussion Night on Monday 11 September in the Music Auditorium. The standard of performance was very high as was the enthusiasm. Thank you to Mr Sergei Golovko for his organisation of this night.
MUNCH THEN MUSIC
Congratulations to Michelle Gu, Karleen Han, Jessie Park, Madeleine Wong, David Le, Sally Park, Yael Zamir, Caitlin Kalaja and Ben Gonsalvez for their performances in the Munch then Music concert on Friday 15 September. The standard of performance was incredibly high and demonstrated a passion for music. Thank you to Mr Baltazar Kurowski for his ongoing development of this program.
SENIOR SPRING SOIREE
Sunday 17 September was a fantastic day weather wise and also a fantastic day music wise.
Congratulations to the Orchestra, Chamber Strings, soloists and chamber groups who performed at the Senior Spring Soiree in the Lecture Theatre. In particular thank you to Ms Tracy Videon and Ms Clare Bugeja for their organisation of this event.
STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR
Kate Collier
Kate Collier
Congratulations to Kate Collier who took part in the State Schools Spectacular on Saturday 16 September at Hisense Arena. The Spectacular had a cast of 3000 Victorian government school students, who worked towards the common performance goal in a collaborative, competition-free environment. The standard of performance was extremely high and reflected the many hours of rehearsal leading up to this. Well done!
YEAR 12 CELEBRATION NIGHT
Join the VCE Music Performance class of 2017 in a night of celebration on Thursday 21 September at 7:00pm in the Theatre. This night will be a fantastic night of solos, duos, small groups and the final whole class performance to help celebrate their passion for music and their development as musicians. We wish the students well with their upcoming exams, auditions and future music careers and thank them for all they have contributed to the music program throughout their time at McKinnon.
END OF TERM
A reminder to all instrumental students that with the holidays starting Friday afternoon, the Music Centre will be closing at 4:00pm. All students need to pick up their instruments before this time so that they can practice over the break, especially those that have exams coming up.
TERM 4 EVENTS
Please note these Upcoming Events in your diary now:
- Big Band Bash '17 - Halloween Special, Friday 13 October 7:00pm - School Hall
Parents and friends are invited to McKinnon Music Department’s celebration of contemporary ensembles, featuring ALL Stage Bands and special guests. Please join in festivities, fun Halloween dress-ups and a night of excellent music.
BYO Food and drinks
Tickets Available at:
https://www.trybooking.com/RQWZ
Ticket categories:
Single adult: $15 Concession: $10 Students: $5
Full Table (10 tickets): $120,
Half table (5 tickets): $70
- Year 11 Celebration Night – Thursday 26 October, Lecture Theatre
- Year 10 Celebration Night – Wednesday 15 November, Lecture Theatre
- Junior Ensembles Concert – Wednesday 6 December, School Hall
Megan Papworth
Head of Music