Student Voices

Senior Music Dinner

The 2026 Music Dinner was an amazing opportunity for us all to reflect on the year of music as well as all the achievements of the students, recognised through awards. This year’s theme, Footloose Formal, allowed the students to get creative with their outfits in their favourite boots, dress or jeans. 

The evening began with an inspiring speeches from Mrs Lockyer as well as ensemble leaders before moving to some awards. Each year there are awards given to the ‘players player’ and ‘singers singer’ of each group, chosen by the students via vote. This year, the Allegria strings group strategically voted for each other, showing how they don’t believe any one person deserves the title, but the entire group working together. To solve this slight dilemma, the trophy is on display in Mrs Gordon’s room, to constantly remind her of the infamous quartet of 2026. 

This year, a few new awards were created for the students who deserve a special shoutout from their conductors. The first new prize was the Accompanists award, rightfully awarded to Hazel L, who had the amazing opportunity to accompany musicians on Music tour and play on larger instruments such as the Pipe Organ. While this is a massive responsibility, she did a fantastic job at each and every performance, and her contributions were acknowledged at Music Dinner. 

Another new prize this year is the Encouragement Award, chosen by conductors of each three types of ensembles (Strings, Band and Choral), two students from each were chosen for the encouragement award. This award acknowledges how much effort they put into the group and that it doesn’t go unnoticed. 

The last new award was the Most Valuable, strictly for Year 12 students who attend 100% of rehearsals and display leadership within their ensembles. 

After dinner, we had a few students speak on their experience from the Europe Music Tour, reflecting on the memories, music and sights of the 16-day trip. The 2027 Creative Arts and Culture Captains, Phoebe L and Charlotte S started their role with a bang, a speech that I believe no one will forget. I’m sure these two ladies will continue to be the light of the music department through their musicianship, friendship and commitment. We also acknowledged the new ensemble leaders; Evie W as band leader and Dohee L as strings leader. They will be amazing role models to those in their ensembles. 

Then, we moved on to the less formal section of the night. The most likely to awards are debatably the best part of every Music Dinner, where we are able to reflect on the less serious side of music at Clayfield, hearing the quirky things that different people are known or remembered for. Of course, Mr O prepared a Kahoot, for students to battle it out with their niche music knowledge, sometimes consisting of guesses. 

Throughout the evening, many memories were made, many photos were taken and many gifts were given. For anyone with the opportunity to attend next year’s Music Dinner, we highly encourage you to go, you won’t regret it.