Derek Sims is an in-demand trumpeter in both the jazz and classical Portland music scenes. Derek graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Music degree. While at Michigan he studied with the great Armando Ghitalla (Boston Symphony), and Charles Daval (Montreal, Seattle Symphonies). After college Derek went on to play for 2 years with Princess Cruise Lines, in over 40 countries around the world.
Derek has performed with such artists as Benny Golson, Gerald Wilson, Arturo Sandoval, Ingrid Jensen, Bobby Shew, Randy Brecker, Bobby Watson, Pancho Sanchez, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Ron Miles, Martha Reeves, and Franki Valli. He has also performed with many different groups including the Mel Brown Septet, Carlton Jackosn/Dave Mills Big Band, The Oregon Symphony, Columbia Symphony, Big Horn Brass, Alan Jones Sextet, Bobby Torres Ensemble, Soul Vaccination, Linda Hornbuckle, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes, Pink Martini and Dahlia.
Along with instructing at AJAM, Derek is an adjunct professor of jazz trumpet at PSU, Musical Director for the Mel Brown Septet and a clinician and faculty member of the Mel Brown Summer Jazz Camps.

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