Derek Molacek

Dr. Derek J. Molacek is a trombonist, euphoniumist, composer and arranger currently based out of Plano, Texas.  A master's graduate of the University of North Texas in 2009, Derek was previously a member of The USAF Band of the Golden West, where amongst other performances, played euphonium in a joint concert with the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas.  

 

As a member of the Commanders Jazz Ensemble, he performed at the 2011 and 2012 Monterey Jazz Festivals.  He was an active performer in the Omaha-Lincoln-Southwest Iowa Region from 2017-2022 performing with Andy William and the Nebraska All-Stars (salsa/Afro-Cuban), the Omaha Symphony, Lincoln Municipal Band (concert band), Nebraska Brass Band (British brass band), and with former The Voice contestant Josh Hoyer (soul, blues, funk).  Derek is a two-time semifinalist (2006, 2019) of the Rich Matteson Jazz Competition as well.  

 

From 2022-2023 Derek was based in Cullman, Alabama where he directed the Wallace State Community College Concert Band, and actively performed as a jazz trombonist for the Matt Leder Quintet  and a euphonium soloist with the Brass Band of Huntsville for the 2023 North American Brass Band Association Championships.  

 

Derek re-located to Plano in August, 2023 and is an active teacher through Plano, Rockwall, and Wylie ISDs. When not teaching or performing, Derek spends time with his wonderful wife Kim (who plays clarinet).