Featured Composer: Derek Arnold

Composer Derek Wesley Arnold is now in his sixth year at UNCSA. After earning his bachelor’s degree as a student of Lawrence Dillon in 2015, Derek entered the master’s program, studying with Kenneth Frazelle. Along the way, he’s had several performances with the UNCSA Symphony and the Winston-Salem Symphony, a premiere this fall with the UNCSA Wind Ensemble, and recording sessions with the Daedalus Quartet, Zephyros Winds and pianist Yael Manor. He even composed a UNCSA alma mater that’s been performed multiple times by the UNCSA Cantata Singers.

Derek enjoys a successful career as a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist while continuing to focus his musical interests on composition at UNCSA. His compositions reflect his wide range of influences, from Mozart to Muddy Waters to McCartney. “I find it difficult to settle into one particular musical niche for very long. I consider all of music to be my field of interest, and I don't want to miss a bit of it.”

While devoting his time to coursework and composition, Derek is also in his second year as a member of UNCSA’s ArtistCorps, a program of AmeriCorps that uses the arts to reach underserved youth and children. His ArtistCorps service takes him into elementary school programs to assist in music instruction and teach phonics through the arts.

“I grew up without money,” he says. “The public school system where I grew up didn't have much money either.  To be able to participate in such a public 'force of good' as ArtistCorps is special to me. To have access to integrated art, demonstrated art, and instruction in the arts in everyday life is important for every person, young and old, regardless of economic constructs or social position.”

Derek’s work on SoundCloud

To view a score of Derek Arnold’s “The HMS Victory under Full Sail,” click on the image: