Patrick Pickett Chief Executive Officer
Patrick Pickett, CSM B Mus, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM, LTCL, ALCM
Patrick was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Symphony Orchestra in January 2009 after a distinguished career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
His 37-year career with the ADF began as an Apprentice Musician and culminated as Lieutenant Colonel, Director of Music Army, Head of Corps of the Australian Army Band Corps and Commandant of the Defence Force School of Music - a position he held for five years.
He completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne and is currently completing a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.
Patrick was part-time Director of Music for the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga and Founding Chair of the Independent Conservatorium of Music Council in NSW. He is also the founding Director and conductor of the UQ Wind Symphony.
In 1985 Patrick attended the Royal Military School of Music in London where he completed the Bandmasters course. He also completed Licentiate and Associate Diplomas in music at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music London where he was admitted as Fellow in Conducting in 1988.
Patrick has been honoured a number of times throughout his military career. He was appointed Adjunct Professor to the University of Queensland (UQ), lecturing in Multi Instrumental Pedagogy, Instrumental Conducting and Group Music Skills. He was appointed as a Federal Examiner with the Australian Music Education Board (AMEB) and Defence Music. He was also appointed to the AMEB (QLD) Panel of Examiners and Advisor (Instrumental and Voice).
He has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal (East Timor clasp) and the Australian Service Medal (Bougainville clasp) after he commanded bands on two tours of East Timor and three in Bougainville. In 1997 he was awarded Conspicuous Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours List for services as Officer Commanding and Music Director of the Australian Army Band Kapooka.
Lieutenant Colonel Pickett commanded the Tri-Service Band element of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, in March 2006. On an international level, Lieutenant Colonel Pickett contributed as the Senior Music Director to the Brunei International Military Tattoo 2006. In August 2007, he was Artistic Director and Concept Designer for the Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference in Sydney. A highlight was being appointed Music Director for the 90th Anniversary Celebrations at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli 2005.
Patrick and his partner Rhonda have five children between them and they are active within the arts community and the wider community on a broad social level. Patrick enjoys golf and tennis. Patrick continues his conducting career as both teacher and performer and singing in choirs. Most of all Patrick enjoys a quiet night at home with family and friends over a glass of red wine.
