Derek Mickelson, Percussionist

Derek Mickelson is a percussionist from Spotswood High School in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Now in his Senior year, Derek has recently completed his fifth season as a dedicated member of the school’s marching band. He was also a founding member of the Spotswood High School Indoor Drumline in 2021, combining with other county schools as Rockingham County Indoor Percussion for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and returning in 2025 after a one year hiatus. He also performs with the Spotswood High School Symphonic, Concert, and Jazz Bands, and SHS Percussion Ensemble. Derek joined the Massanutten Brass Band for their 2023-24 concert and competition seasons, performed with the award-winning Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra as an additional percussionst, worked in several district, regional, and state level honors ensembles, and now continues to expand his solo repertoire.

In addition to his high school marching band, indoor drumline, and concert ensemble experience, Derek has completed three seasons performing in the Drum Corps International World Class circuit where he competes at the highest level of the marching arts, gaining valuable experience playing alongside some of the best young musicians in the world. In the 2024 and 2023 seasons, he toured with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps finishing as a DCI Semifinalist. He was also a DCI Semifinalist in 2022, touring with the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps.

Derek is a committed and hardworking musician, always looking to improve and strive for new achievements. After graduation, Derek will be pursuing a double degree in music education and percussion performance. With his passion for music and his dedication to his art, he hopes to make a lasting impact in the percussion world.