Derrick Gardner
I joined the staff at Brevard Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy in 2010. Though my primary instruments are piano and trombone, I teach all wind and percussion instruments in class. I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama then attended Tennessee State University in Nashville graduating with a B.S. in K-12 Music Education degree. I have performed professionally for more than ten years with famous singers and musicians such as Johnny Gill, Patti Russo, Shirley Murdock, Lloyd, Keith Robinson, Ellis Hooks, Jonell Mosser, Kaitlin Crosby, and 2003 American Idol winner Rueben Studdard. I’ve performed in most states across the southeast, midwest, and Italy for the Umbria Jazz Festival. I’m blessed to have the ability to teach kids a subject that I so passionately love. The icing on the cake for me is the musical culture of our school and community. The BACFA music program has grown tremendously in the last few years. Our students have earned awards from Carowinds Band and Chorus Festival (2013), Trills and Thrills Festival (2014), and was invited to perform a special presentation at Melody Gardens at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando (2015). I’m looking forward to another amazing school year!
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