Queensland Youth Music Awards

Born in London, Adam began his violin studies at the age of four with the Suzuki Method and attended the Purcell School and Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of Maciej Rakowski. He is very grateful to have been supported by the Countess of Munster, Ian Fleming and Lawrence Atwell Charitable foundations. Adam plays on a Joseph Panormo violin circa 1805.

Paul Holley is a choral conductor and music educator. His personal warmth and passion for choral music have inspired many singers to discover and develop their skills as choral musicians. With over 25 years of teaching experience in schools and many years of working with instrumentalists and singers, Paul knows how to connect with people of all ages and enjoys collaborating with them in the music making process. Presently, Paul is the Artistic Director of Voices of Birralee where he conducts the Birralee Blokes, Resonance of Birralee and Birralee Singers. He is also the co-conductor of the national youth choir Gondwana Chorale which has toured the USA, NZ, UK and the Baltics as well as released a recording Soar. In addition to these roles, Paul is a workshop presenter, choral clinician, guest conductor and mentor to younger conductors. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2016 for his services to choral music. 

Michael is a musician, composer and teacher of music. He has taught at The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and more recently at Brisbane Grammar and Brisbane Girls Grammar School where he is currently The Coordinator of Strings. As a performer Michael continues to play with Camerata and The Queensland Symphony Orchestra as well as in jazz and folk styles with groups such as Doch, Laique and Taraf Tambal. He is a member of Black Square Quartet and has recently premiered works by Thomas Green. Michael was the President of The Australian Strings Association Tasmanian branch in 2011 as well as having been a committee member in Queensland for many years. As a composer Michael has written numerous works for string orchestra, but has also arranged popular music for bands including for the television show, The Voice.

Dr. Katrina Peddell is an experienced music educator and choral conductor who has taught all levels of education from Kindergarten to University. A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, she began her teaching career in state and independent primary and secondary schools in Brisbane, before moving to the United States in 1999 where she obtained a Master of Arts in Music Education and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music from the University of Minnesota. As Director of Music at Canterbury College in Waterford, Dr. Peddell is responsible for all aspects of music at the College. She also directs Canterbury’s Cantabile Choir, which has a rich history of touring and performing in choral festivals around Australia and overseas. Among the choir’s achievements is winning First Place in the 2014 National Eisteddfod’s Australian Choral Challenge as well as the 19 Years and Under Championships. Dr Peddell lives in Waterford, with her husband Lewes, and their two daughters, Sophie and Hannah.

M Mus, B Mus, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM, LTCL, ALCM

Patrick Pickett has been a leader, performer, conductor, artistic director, educator, fundraiser and business advisor within the arts in Australia and overseas for more than 40 years. After serving thirty-seven years, Patrick rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel Director of Music Army, Head of Corps of the Australian Army Band Corps and Commandant of the Defence Force School of Music. He performed in diverse places like Brunei, Malaysia, Japan, Gallipoli, East Timor, Bougainville and in amazing productions like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In 2013 Patrick Pickett launched a new and innovative arts company in Queensland. The Australian Musicians and Orchestral Services (AMOS) has as its mission: to provide outstanding performance opportunities for Queensland’s growing body of high-level professional musicians. Alongside this new business Patrick became the owner, Artistic Director/conductor of the Queensland Pops Orchestra. This iconic orchestra has been renowned for quality entertainment since it was formed by Colin Harper in the mid 80’s. Patrick has produced over 35 unique concerts with the Pops since 2013 to the delight of audiences old and new.