McKinnonNEWS

PERFORMING ARTS

We welcome you back to another exciting year within the Performing Arts Faculty. 

 

We have had a couple of staffing changes - of particular note, I welcome Mrs Clare Bugeja and Mr Dmitry Serebrianik to the role of Instrumental Managers for 2022. I am sure you will join with me in wishing them both well in this role. imt-manager@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au 

Clare Bugeja
Dmitry Serebrianik
Clare Bugeja
Dmitry Serebrianik

We also welcome Mr Stuart Byrne who will be taking clarinet and saxophone lessons, and also running the Intermediate Stage Band.

Stuart Byrne
Stuart Byrne

As you would be aware, the East campus has now opened its doors and we are looking forward to working with all the Years 8 and 9 students who will be located there. With this move to a two-campus school there will be a number of changes across the department.

INSTRUMENT HIRE AND/OR PURCHASE

Hire instruments for use by the Years 8 and 9 students have been moved from the Main campus to the East campus this week. These will then be allocated to students before their first ensemble rehearsal or lesson.  

 

A reminder that all payments for instrument hire and lessons should be made through the Finance Office or on Compass.

 

If you are wishing to purchase a new instrument for the first time, please contact your Instrumental teacher directly to discuss options BEFORE you purchase. [We are aware that there are many sales going on at the present moment, but wish you to make the best choice for now and long term.]

 

LESSONS AND ENSEMBLES

Instrumental music lessons will start the week beginning Monday 7 February. VCE students may have their lessons start a few days before this - so please ensure that you watch the Compass schedules and emails for confirmation.

 

Students who are learning an instrument at the school are required to be part of the core ensemble program, and again being part of the instrumental program is dependent on commitment and attendance at ensembles.

 

These ensembles are an integral part of the music program, where students can apply the musical skills that they have covered in their individual or small group lessons. All senior ensembles, except Orchestra, will begin rehearsals from the week beginning Monday 7 February. Orchestra will start this week.

 

Core ensembles days and times

 

Main campus (Auditorium) 

  • Wind Symphony - Tuesday after school (3:30 - 5pm) 
  • Choir (vocal students Years 10-12) - Thursday lunchtime
  • Orchestra - Thursday after school (3:30 - 5pm)

East campus (VG.1) (to start week beginning Monday 14 February)

  • East Campus Choir (Vocal students Years 8 - 9) Monday lunchtime
  • Keenan Strings - Monday after school (3:30 - 4.30pm)
  • Ovenden Band - Wednesday after school (3:30 - 4.30pm)

All other ensembles are by invitation and/or audition only, and dependent on ongoing commitment to the core ensemble.

YEAR 7 INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM

BAND

In the first few weeks, students in the Bands (on Compass Tuesday timetable 07MEB1 or 07MEB2) will have a chance to hear and try out instruments, as well as complete a range of aural tests. The process of instrument allocation is designed to ensure that both your child and teachers arrive at the best possible outcome in selecting an instrument in the balanced ensemble setting. 

 

We estimate that this process will take 3-4 weeks to complete as there are 12 different instruments that make up the Year 7 Band. Lessons are expected to begin by the end of February, with the ensemble starting at the beginning of March.

 

Any questions regarding band instrument allocation should be directed to Ms Tracy Videon (vid@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au) who is overseeing this process.

 

STRINGS

The Strings class ensemble (on Compass Thursday timetable 07MESSTR) will start the allocation process this week during the ensemble lesson on Thursday.  

More advanced students will have time with one of the string teachers to ascertain their level so appropriate grouping can take place. It is expected that this process will take 2 - 3 weeks and instrumental lessons for beginners will start mid-February.

 

Any questions regarding string instrument allocation should be directed to Mrs Clare Bugeja (cb@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au) who is overseeing this process.

 

COVID-SAFE PRACTICES 

According to Department guidelines, the theoretical risk of disease transmission from playing wind and brass instruments is very low. However, in order to maximise the safety of our students and staff, while there is active transmission in the community, the following measures will take place at school: 

  • Wind, brass and voice lessons will take place with the windows and doors open to increase the ventilation in the room - and room changes will occur to ensure maximum space can be provided.
  • DET-provided air purification will be conducted throughout the lessons and rehearsals.
  • Physical distancing will be maintained between students and staff who are using wind instruments or singing, with distances maximised as much as possible.
  • Students and staff who are playing non-wind instruments will wear face masks whilst playing and teaching.
  • Brass players must regularly drain condensate fluid and dispose of it in a rubbish bin and then perform appropriate hand hygiene.
  • Wind and brass instruments are for individual use and will not be shared unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reuse.
  • Large ensembles featuring wind, brass or voice (Ovenden and Wind Symphony, Year 7 and Year 8 Bands and Choirs) will be held with increased distancing between students and teachers, adequate ventilation and shortened rehearsal times. Rooms where ensemble rehearsals are held, have doors leading to the outside that can be opened to allow for greater airflow.

We are looking forward to performing live to you this year, and dates for performances will be sent to all families in the very near future. 

 

Megan Papworth

Performing Arts Manager