Boise State University
The Vice City Brass
FredBrass Institute
Boise Baroque Chamber Orchestra
Opera Idaho
Boise Philharmonic
A California native, Derek is highly regarded as both a jazz and classical trumpeter and has developed a reputation for professionalism and excellence in all areas of music. Dr. Ganong holds a Doctorate of music in Jazz and Classical trumpet from the University of Miami, as well as a Master of music in studio/jazz trumpet from NYU, and a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnomusicology from UCLA.
As a performer, Dr. G has considerable experience as both a jazz/commercial player and as a symphonic and chamber musician. He is currently acting principal trumpet of both the Boise Baroque Chamber Orchestra and Opera Idaho. He also regularly plays in the Broadway shows that come through Boise, and leads the brass section for the Idaho Shakespeare festival.
As Assistant Professor of Music at Boise State University, Derek teaches courses in music technology, applied trumpet, and directs the jazz department. He is also the festival director for the Gene Harris Jazz Festival and runs the Boise State Jazz Orchestra. Derek runs a progressive trumpet studio and is on the forefront of trumpet performance practice and pedagogy in the symphonic, jazz, and commercial realms. He has built his career around being able to seamlessly adapt to any and all styles. He can be regularly heard playing the trumpet in all styles, genres, registers, and disciplines.
As a member of The Vice City Brass and the FredBrass Institute, Derek is constantly seeking to push the boundaries of brass performance, chamber music, and pedagogy. Derek is the foremost authority on the trumpet method of the late Laurie Frink, and authored a wildly successful DMA essay covering her groundbreaking method. Derek is in high demand as both a teacher and a performer.
Dr. Ganong is committed to the multifaceted nature of the trumpet, and to the ever-broadening scope of professional music. His career goals include becoming part of a diverse faculty pool, as well as becoming a successful performer, soloist, and chamber musician.
New music for trumpet and electronics - Beta Drift (2018)
Mel Broiles
Uan Rasey
Laurie Frink
Bud Herseth
Maurice Andre
Herbie Hancock
Michael Brecker
Joe Henderson