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Derek Dreier, percussion

Percussionist Derek Dreier is an eclectic musician and educator versed in a variety of musical traditions. Derek has a passion for teaching and outreach as well as a deep commitment to his craft.

In June of 2017 Derek was named Assistant Principal Percussionist of the Omaha Symphony. In addition to his work with the symphony, Derek performs with the Omaha Chamber Music Society and is a freelance drum set and world percussion artist.

Derek has served as an accompanist for contemporary dance programs at Indiana University, Dean College, the University of Iowa’s Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance Ensemble and currently for Creighton University where he is also Instructor of Percussion.

Derek's primary teachers include, Boston Symphony percussionist Will Hudgins, former National Symphony timpanist John Tafoya, Afro-Cuban specialist Michael Spiro, all-around percussion virtuoso Dane Richeson and drum set and latin percussionist artist James Dreier. He holds degrees from Lawrence University and Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music and completed two years of post-graduate work at the New England Conservatory.

Derek's other passions include a love of sports and exercise. An avid runner, Derek is a four time marathoner, including the 2017 Boston Marathon.