Music Fest 2026: Bringing MLC Together Through Music

More than 700 student performers from Prep to Year 12 took to four stages for Music Fest, a vibrant celebration that highlights the depth and diversity of MLC's music program.

From clarinet ensembles, piano trios and string quartets to the Drumline, Concert Orchestra and student-led rock bands, Music Fest highlighted the many pathways available to explore music at MLC. The festival provided a platform for students across Prep to Year 12 to perform, build confidence and connect with audiences, while inspiring younger musicians to imagine where their own musical journey might take them.

Enjoyed by more than 1500 MLC community members, Music Fest has quickly become a much-anticipated event. While it is only in its second year, Music Prefect Aria says the festival has become an important occasion for bringing the College together.

"So many people throughout the year tell me they're excited for Music Fest because it's a really great opportunity for everyone to come together, even people who don't play music but really enjoy listening to it," she said. "There's so many families here from Prep to Year 12. It's really amazing."

^{Aria performs on the Rock Band stage at Music Fest.}

Music Fest allows students and families to explore performances across multiple stages, creating opportunities to discover new ensembles, musical styles and instruments throughout the afternoon and evening.

Camille, Year 12, believes this accessibility is one of the event's greatest strengths.

"People can pop along and watch a few things, and a broader audience gets to actually experience what MLC music really is."

Camille was among many students performing in multiple groups throughout the event, including Flockart Band, Drumline, Concert Orchestra and her duo, A440.

"People who might not seek out the concerts can wander upon an ensemble that they really love," she said.

For Aria, another defining feature of Music Fest is the way it connects students across year levels.

"It's really awesome for the younger students to be seeing and meeting all the older students as well," she said. "The event really brings together absolutely everybody."

This sentiment was echoed by Alice, Year 6, who was looking forward to seeing the secondary school students perform.

“I'm most excited about Music Fest for the older performers to see where your music can take you,” she said.

The festival also featured performances from VCE VET Music students and the Junior Secondary School musical, alongside student-led market stalls and activities including facepainting, jewellery making and fundraising initiatives, adding to the festival atmosphere and encouraging community participation throughout the event.

Asked to describe Music Fest in three words, Camille chose "vibrant, exciting and joyful". For Aria, the essence of the festival was simple: "everyone coming together".

As Music Fest develops into a biennial tradition, it is creating opportunities for students, families and staff to connect through music. It provides a stage for hundreds of students to share their talents, inspires younger musicians to see what is possible, and invites the wider community to experience the richness of music at MLC.