Student Voices

Opus 3 Student Reflection

Opus 3 took place on Saturday 15 August at Saint Andrew's Uniting Church. The concert featured our senior music groups including Allegria, Avanti, Canzona, Ciao Bella, Faure Winds, Middle School String Quartet, Paganini Strings, Ragazzi, Symphonic Winds and Viotti Strings.

The night was filled with many talented music performances including an incredible saxophone solo by Ema Costello. The venue was perfect and it was truly an amazing night showing the range of our committed musicians. A big congratulations to everyone that performed that night. Before the event, the P&F served refreshments for the parents as they arrived. I would like to give a massive thank you to our committed music staff and conductors, Mr Opstelten, Mrs Gordon, Ms Fixter, Ms Crawford and Mrs Lockyer for making this night possible. 

Opus 3 showed just how connected our delightful music community is, and I encourage any student who is considering joining Clayfield music or attending any of our future concerts to just do it and talk to our music staff about having a go because I guarantee you will not regret it. I look forward to seeing some of you at our upcoming, highly anticipated, music dinner.

Opus 4 Student Reflection

Opus 4 was an exciting evening for both the performers and the audience. Students from Junior and Senior came together to share their musical talents and put on a fantastic night of performances. There was a great variety of music and performances, with Beginner Band, Beginner Keyboard, Campo delle Voci, Corelli Strings, Musicianship Club, Piccolo Choir, Vivo Strings, Wind Orchestra and the Irish Dancers all taking part.

I took part in two music groups as a Semester 2 choir leader, Campo delle Voci (Upper Primary Choir) and the Wind Orchestra (Band). We sang exciting pieces called “Monkey and the Turtle” and “Giraffe Groove.” The combination of different band instruments made the performance sound both beautiful and interesting.

One of the highlights of the evening for me was standing back in the wing waiting for my turn to speak. The audience was so excited, it took a while for them to pay attention when I spoke, but it was so good to see the hall come alive with applause and laughter. Hearing the clapping fill the room after each performance and seeing so many smiling faces throughout the audience made the night feel so special. It was wonderful to see that everyone was enjoying the performances and supporting the students on stage. Overall, Opus 4 was a great celebration of music and gave everyone the chance to enjoy the hard work and talent of every student. 

Please refer to the Week 9 Photo Gallery for highlights.

The Value of Professional Collaboration in Music Education

One of the most powerful aspects of music education is the opportunity for students to learn beyond the classroom through authentic collaborations with industry professionals. Clayfield College's recent On the Green outdoor concert provided an outstanding example of the educational and artistic benefits such experiences can offer.

Prior to the afternoon event, our Senior Vocal students spent a few hours with acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee in a rehearsal and an engaging question-and-answer session. Students gained valuable insight into his career, creative process and the realities of working within the contemporary music industry. The opportunity to hear firsthand about professional experiences, challenges and successes gave students a deeper understanding of the pathways available to them as aspiring musicians.

Collaboration events such as this are invaluable in fostering student growth. They connect young musicians with real-world industry practices, strengthen performance skills and inspire aspirations beyond school. Equally importantly, they help students recognise that successful music-making is built on communication, adaptability and collaboration.

Clayfield College is proud to provide opportunities that bridge the gap between education and professional practice, and we acknowledge the Clayfield College Foundation for making this extraordinary collaboration possible through our Opportunities of Excellence Program. The partnership with Ben Lee was not only a memorable performance experience but also a meaningful learning opportunity. Through events such as On the Green, students gain the confidence, inspiration, and industry insight needed to continue their musical journeys with passion and purpose. 

See below video to hear from a few of our student performers.