MUSIC NEWS

What an amazing fortnight it has been this week in the Music Department.

Congratulations to the students in the Clarinet Choir who performed for the Thistlelonians Reunion on 25 August. It was a splendid performance highlighting the dedication that you have to music making. Thank you to Ms Su Rogerson for her preparation of this fantastic group.

WINTER CONCERT

We are absolutely thrilled with the level of performance and professionalism that was demonstrated in the annual Winter Concert on Tuesday 27 August.

Congratulations to all staff and students for their commitment to the Music Department and willingness to continue to strive for excellence! Thank you to the many parents and friends who came and supported the students and the Music Department.

EISTEDDFOD BY THE BAY

This competition, which was formerly called the Mordialloc Eisteddfod, held its Junior Vocal section (up to 18 and under) on the final weekend of August. McKinnon had some terrific results. Gabrielle Etlis (Year 7) came third in the 12 and Under Contemporary and 16 and Under Contemporary. Gabrielle also came first in the 12 and under musical. Natalie Lock (Year 10) received an Honourable Mention in the 18 and Under Jazz Solo section which is two age levels above her own age group!

Immanuel Chuah (Year 11) came second in the same Jazz section singing her own very individual version of 'Lover Man'. Morgan Dooley-Axup (Year 11) scooped up two first prizes (both were monetary awards as well as medallions on a ribbon. She won the 'Song From A Musical Production' section and also the prestigious Doris Berwick Award (18 and Under Own Choice solo). The prize included an inaugural trophy that was presented by Doris' grandson, Ron Leigh of Ron Leigh's Music Factory in Brighton. Well-done girls.

ROYAL SOUTH STREET EISTEDDFOD

The McKinnon Orchestra competed in the Royal South Street Eisteddfod on Saturday night, 31 August at Ballarat. The program featured fine performances of Brahms Hungarian Dance No 1, Second Movement from Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Misha Machlak as soloist and Carillon by Bizet.

The orchestra performed credibly in their section of the competition as one of the only two non-selective state schools entered and enjoyed a great evening of exciting music making. Congratulations to Mr Brookes and to the students of the orchestra.

AUSTRALIAN PERCUSSION EISTEDDFOD

This prestigious competition was held in Sydney over the past weekend. The results were incredibly pleasing Matthew Simos (Year 8) came first in Snare Drum Junior High School section and second in the Keyboard Section. The competition in the keyboard section was incredibly high and the adjudicator found it incredibly difficult to split the first two place getters. Well done Matthew for both these incredible results.

Emile Groud (Year 11) came first in the Senior High School Drum set solo. This section was one of the most competitive sections and the adjudicator (Bill Bachman from USA) was pleased to announce that Emile stood head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. Congratulations to Emile for such an outstanding result.

Thank you to Mr Golovko for his preparation of these students.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Samantha Andrew, Valentina Bydanova and David Majman from the Year 12 VCE Music Performance class will be performing at B'nai B'rith Fellowship Group's Concert for seniors at McKinnon bowling club on Monday 2 September.

The next Munch then Music lunchtime concert will be on Friday 13 September in the school Lecture Theatre.

Year 12 Music Performance Soiree will be on Wednesday 18 September in the school Auditorium.

Symphonic Wind are competing at Royal South Street Eisteddfod in Ballarat on Saturday 5 September.

Megan Papworth

Head of Music – Classroom