The
Dean
Pratt
Mentor
Program
The Program
The Dean Pratt Mentor Program (DPMP) in conjunction with PLOS Musical Productions gives the opportunity to a young music student to experience being in a musical theatre orchestra pit and gain practical skills and knowledge that only a live pit could offer.
The recipient of the DPMP receives:
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The opportunity to attend all orchestra rehearsals and sitz probe with the cast
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Play alongside/ shadow/ share playing duties with a more experienced member of the orchestra.
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Renumeration (funded by the DPMP) for any rehearsals and shows attended
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Their name in the show program listed as the recipient of the DPMP along with the other orchestra members
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A certificate of recognition
For a full breakdown of the Dean Pratt Mentor Program and how to apply, please click the link below:
Dean
Dean was born in 1983 and from the age of 4 was undertaking pre-instrumental lessons in Frankston, Victoria. As Dean entered secondary school he was given the opportunity to learn the trumpet. He instantly fell in love with the instrument and found he had a natural talent to imitate style and technique from those around him.
Dean started his musical theatre journey in the PLOS Musical Productions orchestra pit at the age of 15. Thanks to his then trumpet teacher John Lucas and Musical Director Bev Woodford, Dean was able to experience the fast paced, endurance heavy skills that only a live pit can offer by playing 2nd trumpet alongside his teacher. As the years went on, Dean then took on the role as 1st trumpet on dozens of PLOS shows and found joy in helping younger players in the pit like he was helped years before.
Dean was a graduate of the VCA and was one of the few trumpet students who were permitted to cross over between the classical stream and the jazz stream. Dean often credits these early years at PLOS, and especially his training in reading musical scores, as the foundation towards his success as a musician in adulthood.
In his later years, Dean became a successful musician overseas, playing professionally in the Middle East, Europe and the US. His band The Swing Revue won Best Band in the Dubai Time Out awards in 2018. His originals band Jaye & Foe toured the UK and played at the prestigious Boomtown and Shambala Festivals. During his time abroad Dean ran the Abu Dhabi Big Band, played for the UAE National Symphony Orchestra and was a regular feature at corporate events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Dubai Jazz Festival and the Dubai World Cup. He also played for high profile clients such as Atlantis on the Palm, Tiffany & Co, and Lanvin,
Upon returning to live in Australia in 2018, Dean was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in May 2019 at the age of 35. During his time receiving treatment, Dean would often reflect on his time at PLOS as being the reason he was so successful in not only his music career, but also in life.
Dean passed away on July 9, 2022 at the age of 38. His family and friends could see no better honour for Dean, and to continue his legacy as a musician, than to offer a young music student the same opportunity that Dean received through PLOS, a company he played close to 20 shows with over the years..
PLOS Musical Productions
PLOS Musical Productions based in Melbourne’s southeast suburb of Frankston has a proud history of over forty years of presenting high quality theatrical productions.
Throughout that time PLOS has continually entertained audiences with the very best musical theatre. They are very proud to stage their productions at the Frankston Arts Centre and in the process educate our members and audiences by using the very latest in theatrical facilities. Their membership is drawn from across the Melbourne metropolitan area and brings together the talents of a wide cross section of the the community with the aim of producing theatrical excellence.
To learn more about PLOS, please click the link below.
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Meet the Recipients
Below are the recipients of the Dean Pratt Mentor Program
Connor Aiton
Strictly Ballroom
Percussion
Connor has been playing the drums from the age of 11 and started playing both kit and percussion from year 7 with Simon Chiodo. He is in Year 11 at Elisabeth Murdoch College studying VCE Music Performance , VCE Media and Environmental Science as well as English & Maths. Connor has played in the production band for The Addams Family at Elisabeth Murdoch College in 2022 and is in the production band again this year for Legally Blonde. In his spare time Connor works at KFC, listening to music, watching movies and playing video games.
James Bixler
Catch Me If You Can
Trumpet
James was first introduced to the cornet watching his grandfather in the Salvation Army band. 2024 marks his 10-year anniversary of learning the instrument, and also his commencement of Year 11 at Flinders Christian Community College, where he plays in the Concert, Modern and Jazz Bands. Outside of school, James loves playing trumpet with the Down South Big Band and cornet with the Mornington Youth & Citizens Brass Band and Victorian State Youth Band. He hopes to work as a pit musician, and to play trumpet in a swing band. If this doesn’t work out, he also has an interest in aeronautics.
Jack Brunialti-Sykes
School of Rock
Piano/ Assistant to the MD
Jack Brunialti-Sykes is a young pianist and composer from Melbourne. He began his musical journey in 2019, where his curiosity and passion for classical music was immediately apparent.
Jack enjoys playing in ensembles. He was a member of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular Orchestra in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he was selected to play with the Melbourne Youth Orchestras and chosen to participate in the Musica Viva Chamber Music Winter Workshop.
Jack revels in delivering solo recitals and in 2023 he performed 3 piano recitals to standing ovations.
Jack also composes music and successfully auditioned for Artology’s ‘To Country’ composition program in 2022, where his composition was performed by the Adelaide Youth Orchestra.
He is an active member in the local music community, regularly performing with the Southern Area Concert Band and boosting morale in retirement homes.
Jack has recently completed Grade 8 AMEB with high distinction and is furthering his study of the piano under the tutelage of Timothy Young. Jack is currently a student at Cornish College.
Lily Hatwell
We Will Rock You
Tuned Percussion/ Piano
Lily is currently in Year 11, and has been playing piano as her main instrument for over 10 years. She began private tuition at Cornish College, where she was involved in many performances both in solo soirees and a variety of ensembles. She has just returned from 2 years of schooling at St. Andrews International School Bangkok, in which she completed her IGCSE exams. During this period, she was involved in various ensembles such as the Jazz Band and Contemporary Ensemble, as well as being invited to perform in the St Andrews Virtuoso Recital at the Yamaha Music hall in Bangkok.
She has a strong love for musical theatre, having seen many live productions and performed on stage in Cornish College’s productions of ‘The Truth Behind the Scoop’ and ‘Bugsy Malone’. She wishes to one day be a musical director and/or conductor in an orchestra pit, and in doing so hopes to inspire young girls to play music and increase female involvement in the industry.
When not playing music, you can find Lily playing Roller Derby, AFL, or reading a good book.
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