Studying to become a science teacher, Pat has always had a passion for music arranging. He values the versatility of music and the ability to transform it into different contexts. His love for music stemmed from a young age but it was only when being introduced to formal musical training where his interest began to take flight.
He has regularly performed in small rock bands as a drummer, filled as a percussionist in the Northern Territory Music School's ensemble program, played in community bands including the Arafura Wind Ensemble. These ensemble experiences broadened his understanding of instrumental timbre and technical skulls used to guide his writing, ensuring playability within creative bounds.
Now working with the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, Pat has been regularly arranging for the Northern Territory Music School's ensembles (ranging from concert bands, percussion ensembles, choirs, and guitar ensembles) with a focus on producing repertoire allowing students to stretch their musicianship. He has also arranged for the Northern Territory Government's annual combined schools performing arts showcase The BEAT Festival involving a 30-piece orchestra and a 300-voice choir all performing to a selection of songs. This showcase is performed across the Northern Territory spanning from Darwin, Katherine, through to desert-centre Alice Springs. Arts education has always had a place in the education setting in the Northern Territory and has been deeply nurtured by passionate music teachers for decades, supporting accessibility at every corner of the territory.