Derrick Thompson

Derrick L. Thompson is a highly accomplished musician and educator from Madison Heights, Virginia. He has an extensive academic background, with a passion for performing and teaching music. Dr. Thompson's career as a professional vocalist began with a memorable debut in 2007 as the Duke in Gounod's Romeo et Juliette with the Opera on the James in Lynchburg, Virginia. Since then, he has graced the stage in various roles, including performances as a bass soloist in well-known works such as Faure's Requiem, Rutter's Mass of the Children, and Handel's Messiah.

Notably, Dr. Thompson ventured to China, where he spent the 2010-2011 season as the artistic director and conductor of the Tianjin Concert Hall's Mulan Children's Choir, based in Tianjin. Alongside his performing career, Dr. Thompson has established himself as a respected conductor and clinician, often invited to serve as a guest conductor for numerous district, county, and all-state choral performances. Driven by a passion for research and a commitment to advancing the field of choral and vocal music, Dr. Thompson has engaged in several research projects. His areas of interest encompass the development of young singing voices, communication in the choral rehearsal, and teaching methodologies for choral and applied voice settings.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thompson has held various teaching positions. He taught for eight years in the Virginia school system, instructing elementary general music and conducting middle and high school choirs. Dr. Thompson is currently the Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he serves as the Student Activities Chair with the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania Derrick L. Thompson is a highly accomplished musician and educator from Madison Heights, Virginia. He has an extensive academic background, with a passion for performing and teaching music. Dr. Thompson's career as a professional vocalist began with a memorable debut in 2007 as the Duke in Gounod's Romeo et Juliette with the Opera on the James in Lynchburg, Virginia. Since then, he has graced the stage in various roles, including performances as a bass soloist in well-known works such as Faure's Requiem, Rutter's Mass of the Children, and Handel's Messiah.

Notably, Dr. Thompson ventured to China, where he spent the 2010-2011 season as the artistic director and conductor of the Tianjin Concert Hall's Mulan Children's Choir, based in Tianjin. Alongside his performing career, Dr. Thompson has established himself as a respected conductor and clinician, often invited to serve as a guest conductor for numerous district, county, and all-state choral performances. Driven by a passion for research and a commitment to advancing the field of choral and vocal music, Dr. Thompson has engaged in several research projects. His areas of interest encompass the development of young singing voices, communication in the choral rehearsal, and teaching methodologies for choral and applied voice settings.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thompson has held various teaching positions. He taught for eight years in the Virginia school system, instructing elementary general music and conducting middle and high school choirs. Dr. Thompson is currently the Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he serves as the Student Activities Chair with the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania.