Antonio Chiappetta wins ARIA for Music Teacher of the Year
A humble western Sydney music teacher has taken home a coveted gong from the music industry’s biggest night of the year.
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Western Sydney teacher Antonio Chiappetta might just be the coolest teacher around after taking home an ARIA at the Australian music industry’s night of nights.
The teacher at St Andrews College Marayong was honoured with the Music Teacher of the Year award last night at the star-studded event at The Star, Sydney.
Mr Chiappetta is the fourth winner of the award, which recognises the role of teachers and mentors in nurturing up and coming musical talent.
The South Penrith resident and St Andrews College alumnus came out on top after a public vote and nominations from across Australia.
Mr Chiappetta said the award was a win for western Sydney and a win for music education.
“It’s such an honour to have the acknowledgment and to be here at an industry-recognised awards show,” Mr Chiappetta said at the awards.
“We do so much for our kids. Each year we churn them out and they graduate and then we start again and we forget about the alumni and how they go off and pursue their dreams.
“This kind of thing is really special.”
In his 15 years at the college, Mr Chiappetta has been passionate in preparing students for their music careers beyond the classroom and launched the school’s own music festival, Creative Arts Night.
The event has grown to become one of Sydney’s biggest school festivals, bringing together 2000 guests, live bands and food trucks for their 2019 concert.
As a drummer and lead vocalist with his rock and hip-hop inspired band King Farook, Mr Chiappetta has toured Australia, supporting some of the world’s most famous acts, including Van Halen, Billy Joel and Aerosmith.
But it was his love of teaching that saw him apply for a job at his old school.
St Andrew’s College principal Stephen Kennaugh said Mr Chiappetta’s passion was bringing music alive for his students.
“Mr Chiappetta has dedicated himself to the development of a very contemporary music program here at St Andrews College and this recognition is a great way to increase the profile of the program as well as music in education,’’ Mr Kennaugh said.