Music At Mac.Rob Update | Semester 1, 2025
The Music Department is constantly full of excitement, as Mac.Rob music students and staff have been busy with House Music, Jazz Night, and the return of the Big Sing, while continuing to work hard in preparation for many upcoming concerts and events.
House Music.
On the last day of Term 1, students and teachers participated in House Music. It is the second house event of the year, consisting of 5 parts: Large Ensemble, Rock Band, Soloist, Large Choir and Madrigals. Students had one term to work on these pieces, organising rehearsals, writing arrangements and working on the performance. It was a buzzing day for students, where all participating students were very excited to perform for their friends and showcase their hard work and talents. We were honoured to have opera singer Katrina Waters joining us for the event.
House Music is a special event, especially for music students, as it is one of the best opportunities to be able to work with a large number of friends and put together a piece of music that everyone is willing to play. Rock Band is a new category that was introduced this year and was met with overwhelming excitement, therefore it will be highly likely to continue in the future. Both the participants and the audience were able to feel engaged in the performances.
Personally, as directors of some Large Ensembles, it was a new and valuable experience for both of us, having the opportunity to collaborate with our friends and peers, arranging a piece and organising rehearsals. This was an unforgettable experience that will help us both grow our skills as we go into the higher year levels, and it will become a memory that we will not forget.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the Music and House Captains, as well as all directors and music staff, and we would like to thank all participants of this event for all the effort and time that was spent on the performances.
Kaly G | Nereids Large Ensemble Director and Orchestra Ensemble Leader
Alisha S | Naiads Large Ensemble Director and Orchestra Ensemble Leader
Jazz Night.
Photo by Pallas photographer Sophie Q.
Jazz Night is an annual music event between Mac.Rob and Melbourne High, and this year, it was hosted on May 14th at Melbourne High School's Memorial Hall. Throughout the concert, there were a variety of groups performing, together creating an engaging evening full of breathtaking pieces. I loved listening to and watching the performances, if it was my friends playing, or students from another school entirely, and I had just as much fun myself when going onstage to display the culmination of my ensemble’s effort. Overall, whether you were a spectator or musician, the performances were entertaining and the audience was incredibly enthusiastic. Jazz Night was an amazing experience, and a great introduction to the music program for any Year 9s.
Emmy W | Guitar Ensemble Leader
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In this year’s Jazz Night, students also performed many spectacular pieces in student-led ensembles, with some groups including students from both schools. A shout out to this year’s selected students for their wonderful performances! Jazz Night is an exclusive opportunity to perform in student-led ensembles or solo at a school event, so everyone better catch that next chance. This is also a great opportunity to challenge your skills and expand your social circle by trying out different music and meeting new people – especially for those new to the school or the music program. Be courageous and dare to challenge your own abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment. But, at the end of the day, the most important thing out there is to have fun!
Stephanie Y | Clarinet Ensemble Leader
Big Sing.
Big Sing, back for its second year, is a combined Chorale event between Mac.Rob and Melbourne High School. Held on May 29th at the Mac.Rob Hall, the event featured a workshop followed by a small concert to celebrate the work the chorales have done. This year we performed some gorgeous pieces, being A Bach Alleluia, Tama Tu, Weep No More, Get Ready and A Drop Of Nelson’s Blood.
Chamber Voices also performed the long awaited Someone To Watch Over Me, a stunning and smooth jazz piece. The two schools’ Chorale Captains performed a duet just before the end of the night, singing My Green Light from the broadway musical, The Great Gatsby.
The workshop was very valuable for our progression in our pieces that we’ve been working on, and some fresh pieces we’d never seen before! The night was a stunning success. From the pizza to the gorgeous voices showcased tonight, tonight has set a standard for the next Big Sing to come!
Isabel B G | Chorale Ensemble Leader
Gia P | Chamber Voices Ensemble Leader
Premier Concert.
Music @ Mac.Rob had a great start with our first annual concert - Premier Concert on June 3rd!
You may be wondering, what is the Premier Concert? Formerly known as the Autumn Concert, the Premier Concert is the first seasonal concert (or the premier concert) where all of the ensembles at Mac.Rob perform. For some students, like those who picked up their instruments in Year 9, it may have been their first time performing!
It was so inspiring to see passionate students performing, with peers, parents and staff cheering them on. Everyone had a wonderful time.
The Premier Concert was a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their musical talents and the night was filled with rich harmonies and melodies from the many different ensembles, big and small. The ensembles included: The Mac.Rob Orchestra, Concert Band, Corelli Strings, Flute Ensemble, Viola Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Chamber Voices, Guitar Ensemble, Year 9 Flute Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Vivaldi Strings, Stage Band, Year 12 Flute Quartet, Chorale, Paganini Strings, Symphonic Wind Band
Behind every performance was dedication from all Mac.Rob music students, rehearsing every week with the guidance of their ensemble conductors to finalise and perfect the pieces since the start of Term 1.
Thank you to all the teachers and staff who organised the concert as well as the stage crew for their hard work and making this event possible. A big thank you also to all music students who brought Premier Concert to life in 2025.
Stay in tune for the next big musical event - Winter Concert on July 28th!
Olivia C & Ariya G | Symphonic Winds Ensemble Leaders
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We are so proud of all students’ hard work throughout the year so far. These events could not have been possible without the incredible music staff and Student Music Committee, and we extend our gratitude to the wider Mac.Rob community for continuing to support the music program and our talented musicians. We have Winter Concert at the one and only Hamer Hall on July 28th, and we hope to see you all there!
Naomi K & Katie W | Music Co-Captains