The Instrumental Music Program at McKinnon Secondary College has been a vibrant and inclusive part of the school community for more than 50 years. Designed to welcome large numbers of beginners in Years 7 and 8, the program nurtures students into confident, well-rounded musicians by the time they reach senior school. Participation has grown steadily over the decades and now boasts around 750 students - a remarkable achievement for a Government School.
McKinnon’s program is orchestral and concert band in nature, offering instruments from across the orchestra and band families:
Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
Woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon)
Brass (trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium, tuba)
Percussion: marimba, timpani, snare drum, and a range of mallet and auxiliary instruments (students learn all areas of percussion)
Voice (classical or contemporary)
Please note:
- Participation in our Instrumental Music Program is optional. If your child does join this program there is a cost involved for both tuition and instrument hire (where applicable).
- Piano and guitar tuition are not offered as part of the McKinnon Instrumental Music Program.
Year 7 students can join the program as part of the enrolment process, choosing either the Strings stream or the Concert Band stream. This placement ensures students are timetabled into the Year 7 String Ensemble or Year 7 Band, both of which form part of the regular school program and continue into Year 8.
Students in Year 7 who are interested in singing can join the Junior Choir, with the option to begin voice lessons in Year 8. Voice students are required to participate in the choir at their campus, and all choirs are open to every student - no prior singing experience is necessary.
Instrumental lessons take place once a week during school hours. Each 50‑minute lesson occurs in small groups of approximately four students. Lesson times are rotated weekly to ensure students do not miss the same class period twice in a row. Students in Years 7 and 8 who wish to take part in ensembles but do not learn their instrument at school must be receiving private tuition outside school hours.
McKinnon’s music program is ensemble‑based, and participation in at least one core ensemble is compulsory. Beyond that, students may choose from a wide range of elective ensembles. In intermediate and senior years, core ensemble rehearsals typically occur at lunchtime or outside school hours.
A highlight of the year is the Winter Concert, which features every student in the program performing in one spectacular evening. Students also have opportunities to take part in school concerts, inter‑school festivals, competitions, and community events throughout the year.
While students can join as beginners in Years 8 or 9 if places are available, the program is primarily designed for those starting in Year 7. Senior ensembles require at least 3 years of playing experience, so it is more challenging for beginners to start later. Availability in certain instruments may also be limited.
Students who transfer to McKinnon after Year 7 and already play one of the offered instruments are warmly invited to join suitable ensembles. Lesson placement depends on space, but capable players are always encouraged to become part of our thriving musical community.
CONTACT US
More information on the program, including ensembles, teachers, and fees, can be found on our website.
Please direct enrolment enquiries to imt-manager@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
