Michael Aquilina
PEAK Presenter
Based in:
Adelaide, SA, AustraliaMichael Aquilina (one half of “The Michaels” from SA) is a dynamic Performing Arts Teacher at Gilles Street Primary School in Adelaide, where he inspires students from Reception to Year 6, including those in the Intensive English Language Program. Blending Orff principles with a modern twist, Michael fosters a deep love for music and performance.
Beyond the classroom, Michael runs two choirs, a junk percussion ensemble, and leads the school’s renowned Taiko Drumming groups, which have performed at top-tier venues across Adelaide. He’s also heavily involved with the Primary Schools Music Festival, supporting the orchestra and coordinating special percussion features.
A passionate advocate for integrating technology in Music education, Michael has presented at national and international workshops, and co-convened the 2023 ANCOS Conference REMIX – Past. Present. Future. His work spans collaborations with the Orff-Schulwerk Association of South Australia (OSASA), the University of South Australia, Music Australia, and the DreamBIG Children’s Festival, always pushing boundaries to enhance students’ musical journeys.
PEAK Elective Session | Monday, 6th January 2025 | 4:15pm - 5:15pm
Supermassive Black Hole
Prepare to get loud and do everything your teacher told you not to do! We’re transforming chairs into rhythmic machines and discovering creative ways to make music without a single instrument in sight. This high-energy session will have you learning percussion patterns, building an unforgettable performance, and discovering just how loud you can get! Perfect for grades 3 and up, this is a chance to explore rhythms, let loose and find out what Robert Patterson, FIFA and Superman all have in common. Warning: things might get loud!
PEAK Elective Session | Wednesday, 8th January 2025 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Into a Fantasy
Dive into a world where art, rhythm and movement come together to create something unforgettable! In this hands-on session, you'll explore unique artworks, dynamic movements, build group rhythms, and transform unexpected tools into musical magic. Through collaboration and creativity, we’ll craft a performance piece that’s all about teamwork, imagination, and a bit of wonder. Come move and make music with the unexpected and let your creativity soar!