We have been treated to an abundance of wonderful music across the College over the past few weeks. Last Monday, we held our Winter Soirées, showcasing the talent and dedication of our music students.
In the Rehearsal Hall, our piano, guitar, brass and woodwind students entertained a full-house audience with a diverse and engaging program, expertly hosted by Middle School Music Captain, Michael Christofi. Meanwhile, in the Black Box Theatre, our vocal and string students delivered outstanding performances under the capable leadership of Senior Music Captain, Aoife O’Connell.
Congratulations to all performers, from Prep through to Year 12, for their hard work and musical achievements. Our Soirées are open to all Newhaven College students, regardless of whether they receive tuition through the College. If your child would like to perform at our Spring Soirée later this year, please contact the Music Department. See some photos below of this event.
Individual Music Tuition Program
Did you know that almost 200 students currently participate in our Individual Music Tuition (IMT) Program through weekly one-to-one or small-group lessons? Registrations for Semester 2 are now open, with places available across all instruments and voice. Families interested in learning more or enrolling are encouraged go to register.
Looking Ahead to Semester 2
We are excited to offer the Urban Music Camp in Melbourne for members of our MusicPlus ensembles and vocal groups. As part of this enriching experience, students will attend Six at the Comedy Theatre and participate in workshops and rehearsals to prepare them for our Annual Spring Concert later in the term at the Union Theatre in Wonthaggi.
We are also proud to announce that the Newhaven College Choir and Big Band will participate in the Victorian Schools Music Festival during Term 3. This festival provides students with the invaluable opportunity to perform on a professional stage while receiving feedback from industry professionals and adjudicators. Early next term, our combined Senior Vocal Ensemble and Middle School Choir will also compete at the Yarram Eisteddfod. We are confident they will represent the College with distinction.
Students interested in joining an ensemble or vocal group are warmly encouraged to become involved. Participation opens the door to a wide range of exciting experiences, including camps, festivals, performances and collaborative music-making opportunities throughout the year.
Thank you to all students who have contributed so enthusiastically to MusicPlus and choir activities throughout the semester. We also extend our sincere thanks to the families and friends whose ongoing encouragement and support make these opportunities possible. We look forward to welcoming even more students into our vibrant music community in Semester 2 and sharing another exciting season of performances and events.
Kick Start of New Year 7s in 2026
Kick Start Program for new students starting Year 7 in 2026. We offer a semester of free small group instrumental lessons on the standard orchestral instruments. The purpose of this program is to provide new students with some of the opportunities existing students have had in music throughout Year 5/6 and encourage students to experience all the great things about learning an instrument. We provide the instrument free of charge for the semester, so no need to hire or buy. Just a free chance at trying something new and different.
Students taking up this opportunity will come out of regular classes on a rotational basis for the semester to avoid missing the same class time. Under some circumstances, the instrumental lesson could be scheduled at recess, lunchtime or after school, depending on teacher availability.
If you would like your child to take up this offer, please complete the registration form.
Upcoming Events
- Friday 21 - Monday 24 August – Urban Music Camp
- Monday 7 September – Annual Spring Concert, Union Theatre, Wonthaggi
- Wednesday 9 September – VET Music Performance Night, Newhaven College Black Box Theatre
- Monday 14 September – VCE Unit 4 Soirée, Newhaven College Black Box Theatre
- Tuesday 13 October – Annual Bands Night, Westernport Hotel
- Thursday 26 November – Spring Soirée, Rehearsal Hall, Performing Arts Wing
- November–December – AMEB Examinations (dates to be confirmed)
Matthew Goss
Director of Music
2nd Year VET Music Performance Night
From good…to great...to incredible!
Our 2nd Year VCE VET Music students and their supporting ensembles present a major performance at the end of each term. And at last week’s event, the growth on display since Term 1 was impressive.
So many different styles of music. So many different personal expressions of creativity, collaboration, hard work and inspiration. So much great music.
Congratulations to all these excellent musicians. You’re inspiring!
With one more performance night at the end of Term 3 and then the Annual Bands Night in early Term 4, make sure you get along to hear these talented young artists while you still can.
The performers were:
Foil – Elleah Rogers with Felix Fothergill, Finn McLean, Meyanna Christensen, Georgie Sanders & Elsa Osabutey
Noncense – Shae Foster with Elleah Rodgers, James Cameron, Elsa Osabutey & Dave Prideaux
Finn Farley - with Aoife O’Connell, Aisha Glass, Kerryn Lockhart and Pam Christie
Tom Reich – with Noah Thompson, Aoife O’Connell, Rob Turton & Matt Goss
Noah Thompson – with Finn Campbell Walker & Rob Turton
Zenith Paradox – Flynn Dengerink, Holly Martelli and James Cameron with Finn Farley
Rob Turton
VET Music Teacher
Year 9 Art
Year 9 Art has finished the semester strongly, completing a stencil workshop and printing their own T-shirts. The students had a range of inspirations, from Led Zeppelin to Winnie the Pooh, and pop culture celebrities who featured heavily. The aim was to gain practical experience in silk screen printing, but also using stencils, mirroring modern street art techniques. The results have been amazing!
Congratulations to all the students involved.
Elizabeth Hall
Year 9 Art Teacher
Strings Sweep National Awards
Congratulations to Strings students who competed in the 2026 Musica Viva Australia Strike A Chord nationwide chamber music competition!
The results are in and we are so proud of all our competitors:
- Our Junior School students in the Newhaven Strings Quartet have been presented with a Highly Commended place, with their juror stating: "Lovely communication between players... good listening and nice dynamic contrasts. Love the choice of piece and tricky passages were well negotiated"
- Our Middle and Senior School students in the Newhaven College Chamber Strings have been presented with a Championship Achievement Award with their juror commenting: "Good unified ensemble playing that shows attention to the overall group sound and the phrasing of this beautiful work. Overall a successful rendition of this work. Bravo to all"
- Furthermore, we are proud to celebrate violinist, Yuri Chaseling, who was recognised with the individual Courage, Commitment and Innovation Award and a cash prize of $250.
Bravo to all our students for demonstrating our College value of Excellence on the national stage!
Rebecca Scully
Head of Strings
Junior School Choir Medals
We would like to congratulate our Junior School students who received a highly sought-after Silver or Gold Junior School Choir Medal. To receive a medal, our Silver Medallists need to have attended 40 rehearsals and our Gold Medallists need to have attended 60 rehearsals, as well as completing a "musical challenge."
Congratulations to all of you!
Nina Prideaux
Junior School Music Teacher
