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Derek was born July 16, 1979 in Vero Beach, Fl. He began playing trombone at the age of 12 and was recognized early as a natural talent and was encouraged on to further studies to become a professional musician. He currently now resides in New York, NY.
His teachers include Christopher Creswell, Paul Weikle Jr, and Rhythm and Brass trombonist Thomas k. Brantley. Also brief studies with Florida Orchestra's bass trombonist Harold Van Schaik and Orlando freelance artist Keith Oshiro. Derek's music studies began at Florida Junior College of Jacksonville and then University of South Florida. While studying music he had the opprotunity to play with world renown musicians Pete Condoli, Micheal Brecker, Joe Lovanoe, Marvin Stamn, Dave Liebman, Dick Hyman, Dave Steinmeyer, Jiggs Whiggham, and Jon Faddis. His professional career includes Doc Blackwell's Lamp Lighters, George Carrol Big Band, Dan Mcmillion Orchestra, Wito Rodriguez Latin Jazz Orchestra, Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom Christmas Brass , The Sam Rivers Orceshtra, Celebrity Cruise Lines Showband , and most recently a member of the The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Derek's professional trombone playing has taken him to tours of Western and Eastern caribbean, New England, Canada, New Orleans, New York, California, New Orleans, and Alaska. As a member of the The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra he has toured extensively through North America and Canada playing many of the major symphony halls. 