Music Notes
Nicole Bull, Academic Dean of Performing Arts
A big thank you to all the staff, parents and students who have continued to support the Performing Arts program this year. The dedication and contribution shown by all has been exemplary. I wish you all a safe and joyous Christmas and a well-deserved rest. Fingers crossed for a lockdown-free year next year.
Spotlight on music staff - Chris Higgins (clarinet/saxophone teacher)
We would like to introduce to you Mr Chris Higgins (clarinet/saxophone teacher) from our Music Department.
Chris teaches students from primary (Year 5 onwards) to secondary years and also conducts the Intermediate Kadenza Band and the Stage Band.
If you are interested in clarinet and/or saxophone lessons for your child, please contact the Music Department at music.admin@kilvington.vic.edu.au.
CHRIS HIGGINS, CLARINET/SAXOPHONE TEACHER
Chris is a freelance saxophonist and clarinetist who has recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia. Since completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2016, Chris can be heard performing jazz, popular and original music, contemporary classical, as a pit musician and everything in between.
Chris is an exceptionally diverse performer and educator. He is an active member of the Australian jazz scene, leading his own gypsy jazz group The Djangologists and performing with Judy Bailey’s Jazz Connection big band as a core member (2013 - 2019).
The Djangologists have performed throughout Australia selling out venues and appearing at numerous festivals including Manly Jazz Festival, Newcastle Jazz Festival and The Entrance Winter Blues & Jazz Festival. They've had recordings played on Eastside Radio, Fine Music and in 2020 released their first album 'Live At The Paris Cat' capturing their sold out gig at Paris Cat Jazz Club in October 2019.
Working as a session musician, Chris has performed with a variety of local and international musicians: Denis DiBlasio (USA), Lucy Kiely (Italy), Greg Gould, Ross Irwin, Dan Barnett, Spyglass Gypsies, Gregg Arthur, Ed Wilson, Jacki Cooper and John Morrison.
As a classical saxophonist, Chris performs with Flow Saxophone Duo, who featured at the 2018 Sax Radio Music Festival and 1st International Saxophone Music Camp in Taiwan, performing with Nobuya Sugawa and Sax Radio Ensemble.
Chris has worked with Australian composer, Mark Oliveiro, as part of Ensemble Mongrel and The Music Box Project. Chris's orchestral experience includes performing Gershwin's An American In Paris (Willoughby Symphony Orchestra), Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (Central Coast Symphony Orchestra) and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with featured soloist Simon Tedeschi (Central Coast Symphony Orchestra).
Working as a pit musician, Chris has performed in numerous productions on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, Bb, A and bass clarinets and flute.
Chris is a highly regarded educator, having previously taught at Sydney’s elite private schools including Wenona Independent School, Roseville College and Knox Grammar Preparatory School. Chris currently holds teaching positions at Kilvington Grammar, Lavalla College and Beaconhills College (Berwick Campus).
Kadenza Intermediate Band
Please enjoy the Kadenza Intermediate Band performance of Jingle Bells here - Kadenza - Jingle Bells.
Year 5 Band Concert
On December 2nd, parents and friends were treated to performances by Year 5 students. All had been learning a wind, brass or percussion instrument throughout the year and were able to demonstrate just how far they have come this year, despite several lockdowns and the band program going online. Congratulations to all students.
I encourage everyone to consider learning individually next year. Please click on the links below to enjoy the Concert.
Music tuition enrolment forms for 2022
Music enrolment forms are now due in for 2022. If your child is interested in learning an instrument next year, can you please ensure you return an enrolment form to the Music Department.
The Music Department has many instrumental classes available, ranging from string instruments, brass and woodwind instruments, voice, keyboard and speech and drama.
There is also a large choice of ensembles for your child to participate in. If you have any queries regarding music classes, please contact the Music Department on 8574 7637 or email music.admin@kilvington.vic.edu.au
All continuing students must return an enrolment form for 2022.