Derrick Peterson is from Antioch, Tennessee and was born on January 3rd, 2005. His exposure to music came primarily from music heard around the house that his parents enjoyed. In middle school he began playing the tuba, then the euphonium, and finally the trombone. This led to him continuing his journey at Antioch High School where he played trombone in the wind ensemble and sousaphone in the marching band, both under the direction of Dr. Frank Zimmerer. During this time Derrick was exposed to the jazz genre through discoveries on internet and video games. This interest led him to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he is studying studio music and jazz with a trombone focus under the tutelage of Dr. Alexander van Duuren.

 

 

Derrick's interest in jazz music has led him to begin composing with aspirations of performing his originals. These originals are inspired by a plethora sounds and genres that he finds interesting. While Derrick loves jazz music and its aspects of freedom, he also tries to listen to as music as possible and is interested in anything that sonically makes him emotional or feel something. He has aspirations to continue writing and hopefully travel around the world to experience its contrast in music and possibly let others experience that he so values.

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Besides the aforementioned, Derrick enjoys sports, art, enjoying time with friends and family, and the rare occasions of enjoying a good show or video game.