Derek Siebert
(he/him)
Saxophone
Derek Siebert holds Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in saxophone degrees from the University of Louisville, studying under long time saxophone professor Mike Tracy. Derek is extremely grateful for all the influential educators and musicians he has crossed paths with over the years and looks forward to the many new opportunities that lie ahead.
Derek is currently the music teacher at St. Matthews Elementary school and has taught in the Jefferson County Public School system for over two decades. He was awarded the Outstanding Elementary Music Educator Award in 2016 and the Kentucky PTA Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2009. Outside of his school responsibilities he is quite active performing with several musicians and groups in Louisville. Derek currently plays with Tony and the Tan Lines (Louisville’s premier cover band), the West Market Street Stompers, Big Black Cadillac, a local Billy Joel tribute band, and the Don Krekel Orchestra. Other local groups he has performed with include the Louisville Orchestra, Derby Dinner Playhouse, the Dave Mehl Big Band, Jake and Elwood and the Boys (Blues Brothers tribute band), Old School, V-Groove, Caribou, From Paris, Dark Side of the Wall (Pink Floyd tribute band), and many others. He has also shared the stage with various national acts including The Temptations, Ambrosia, Bob Newhart, and various celebrities at the annual Barnstable Brown derby party. Derek is also a former saxophone instructor at Campbellsville University and the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop.
A faculty member at the academy since 1994, Derek has consistently guided his students to become confident, self-sufficient musicians. Classical, jazz, rock, and more are all used to help students establish a wide range of music appreciation. Through various techniques, studies, duet playing, improvising, and solo opportunities, Derek hopes his students unlock the power and potential they carry inside of them.