At the end of 2021, Mark Spence, Leader of Drums & Percussion St Joseph’s Regional College was pleased to announce current Year 11 student, Patrick McGahon  as the first recipient of the LaMattina Drum Scholarship. John LaMattina was Mark’s first tutor many years ago back in Georgia, USA and has served as a highly influential drum teacher and mentor to Mark throughout his music career and life.

Each year Mr LaMattina would award one student a scholarship worth one year of drum tuition, and after many years of wishing to do the same, Mark is carrying on the tradition by awarding one student enrolled in one of the Parish secondary schools with that same honour.

This “Australian edition” of this scholarship was awarded to Patrick based on his work ethic, kindness, humility, willingness to help others, curiosity and talent, and it is Mark’s hope that his students will continue the tradition of giving back to others and paying it forward.

Mr LaMattina was kind enough to ship a copy of his books over to Patrick to assist in his drum studies.