McKinnonNEWS

MUSIC NEWS

WINTER CONCERT

We have had another busy fortnight in the Music Department. All ensembles are rehearsing intensely to ensure that they are at an incredible standard for the upcoming Winter Concert on Wednesday 29 August. Students are reminded to keep an eye on the Newsfeed on Compass and on their schedule to ensure that they make all rehearsals to make the night an absolute success.

 

This concert is a showcase of the work that the students in the core ensembles have been undertaking over the past eight months. Tickets are on sale directly through this link https://tinyurl.com/y8k2yzv3 or through Monash University booking office as of Monday 6 August. Students who are performing do not require a ticket.

 

Prices: Adults $20, Concession $15, Family (2 Adults/2 Children) $60, and Group of 6 $81

PAST PERFORMANCES

Congratulations to all the students who were involved in the second Vocal night on Thursday 26 July as it was a great success. The work that has been undertaken by the students was evident in the very high level of performances given. Each item demonstrated a strong sense of artistry and technical development. Well done!

Thank you to Mrs Deb James and her assistants Matthew James and King Chen, for their organisation of the supper at interval that was fundraising for the North American tour in 2019. Thank you to Mr Nick Xanthoudakis and his audio visual team who helped produce a fantastic night. Finally, thank you to Ms Blanka West for her ongoing development of the vocal students at McKinnon and her organisation of these nights. 

 

Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in the Brass night on Wednesday 1 August. The students performed exceptionally well to a packed house, demonstrating their ongoing development of their technique and stage presence.

Thank you to the teachers who assisted with the evening – in particular Mr Andrew Albanis and Ms Katarina Vrisk. Congratulations to our fabulous brass teachers Ms Tracy Videon and Mr Dmitry Serebrianik for their development of the students, and the development of the Brass night.

 

On Friday 3 August the percussion students were lucky to be able to see and work with renowned American vibraphonist Arthur Lipner. Arthur Lipner’s career has spanned three decades and is going stronger than ever since he began performing professionally at age 14. He has appeared in 25 countries. Arthur’s live performances and recordings convey an exuberant drive of creativity and depth. Arthur has appeared on over 50 albums, including nine of his own as a leader/co-leader.

“Two Hands, One Heart” (2015), a “Best Of” collection of his favorite tracks recorded during the 25-year period 1990-2015. Students were given the opportunity to see him perform in an up-close and personal concert at lunchtime, and then a workshop during period 5. Thank you to Mr Sergei Golovko for organising this opportunity.

 

Congratulations to the Senior Stage Band who performed at the Winter Concert with the Glen Eira Youth Orchestra on Sunday 5 August. The performance also was the debut performance of former student Misha Machlak’s composition “Fantasia”. 

 

Congratulations to the Chamber Strings and the String Quartets who had the opportunity to perform a more extended program in front of residents at Claremont Terrace on Monday 6 August. Thank you to Ms Clare Bujega for her development of the ongoing performance opportunities at Claremont Terrace.

ONGOING PERFORMANCES AND REHEARSALS

Please note these dates in your diary for upcoming Performance Opportunities for Term 3:

  • Ovenden Band at VSMF – Monday 20 August
  • Symphonic Wind at VSMF – Thursday 23 August
  • WINTER CONCERT – Wednesday 29 August
  • Orchestra at South Street Ballarat – Saturday 1 September
  • Big Band Bash – Friday 14 September
  • Spring Soiree – Sunday 16 September
  • Year 12 Music Performance Celebration Night – Tuesday 18 September

In preparation for the many performances that will be taking place over the semester, students are reminded that they need to keep their attendance up at the core ensemble rehearsals.

 

All music students, instrumentalist and elective, are required to be in one of the main ensembles that are held at the school. Being a part of these ensembles helps develop group skills, aural work, sight-reading, widens their experience and musical style and often involves performing for community groups, other schools and functions within the school community.  Rehearsals are held as follows:

  • Symphonic Wind – Monday after school 3:30 – 5pm
  • Keenan Strings – Thursday before school 7:45am
  • Orchestra – Thursday afterschool 3:30 – 5pm
  • McKinnon Choir – Thursday lunch time
  • Ovenden band – Friday before school 7:45am

We look forward to seeing all students at their respective ensemble rehearsal.

 

Megan Papworth

Head of Music