Derrick Skye facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Derrick Skye
Derrick Skye in 2017
Background information
Born	(1982-11-19) 19 November 1982 (age 42)
Origin	Los Angeles
Genres	Classical
Occupation(s)	Composer, conductor, musician, educator
Instruments	trombone, Ewe percussion
Associated acts	Bridge to Everywhere

Derrick Skye (born Derrick Spiva Jr; 19 November 1982) is a talented composer, conductor, musician, and teacher. He lives in the Los Angeles area. What makes his music special is that he often mixes musical styles from different cultures around the world.

The Los Angeles Times newspaper said Skye's music is "something to savor" and "enormous fun to listen to." The Times (London) called his music “deliciously head-spinning.” In 2023, an album called House of Belonging featured Skye's song "Black Ocean." This album was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 2024!

Derrick Skye's Musical Journey

Derrick Skye studied music at the University of California, Los Angeles and the California Institute of the Arts. He learned about classical music from famous teachers like Ian Krouse and Paul Chihara. But he didn't stop there! He also explored music from other parts of the world.

He learned percussion (like drumming) from Randy Gloss. He studied Persian music theory, Balkan music theory, and Hindustani classical music. He also learned West African music and dance. This mix of learning helps him create his unique sound. He often blends these different cultural styles into his modern classical music.

Performances and Collaborations

Derrick Skye's music has been played by many famous orchestras and groups. These include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. His music has also been performed at famous places like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Rhythm and movement are very important in Skye's music. He has worked with many choreographers (people who create dances). He even collaborated with a synchronized swimming champion, Sue Baross Nesbitt.

In 2015, Skye worked with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO). He has also released three albums: Prisms, Cycles, Leaps (2015), American Mirror (2018), and This Place (2023). In 2021, the Washington Post newspaper named him one of the "21 for '21: Composers and performers who sound like tomorrow." He also won an award for his work "Mother of Bravery" and "Best New Composition" for his piece "Mind the Rhythm."

Sharing His Knowledge

Derrick Skye loves to share his musical ideas. He has given talks and workshops at many universities and cultural centers. He even spoke at a big conference for orchestras in 2016. He talked about how classical music groups can connect better with different communities.

In 2019, he was part of a panel discussion called "New Voices: Composers of Today." In 2023, he was invited to speak at a special event about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music. His own AI opera, "Song of the Ambassadors," was even shown at the opening of TED (conference) 2023!

Leadership and Family Life

Derrick Skye is the artistic director of a music group called Bridge to Everywhere. He is also an Artistic Advisor and Composer for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. He helps young musicians with the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra. He also directs music groups at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles.

In June 2021, Derrick formally changed his name from Derrick Spiva Jr to Derrick Senam Eugene Skye. His family is very talented too! His aunts, Sherri Howard and Denean Howard, won gold and silver medals in track and field at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic games. His father, Derrick Spiva Sr, teaches Africana Studies. Derrick is married to Kim Nguyen Tran, who studies music from different cultures.

Derrick Skye's Compositions

Derrick Skye has written many different kinds of music. Here are some examples of his works:

Opera

• 2022 "Song of the Ambassadors" (This opera uses electronic sounds and artificial intelligence!)

Orchestra Music

• 2014 "Prisms, Cycles, Leaps"
• 2018 "From Here a Path"
• 2019 "To Be A Horizon"
• 2020 "Like Water, Freedom”
• 2022 "A Rage of Peace" (for orchestra and a singer)
• 2023 "Nova Plexus" (for orchestra, electric guitar, and synthesizer)

Music for Wind Ensembles

• 2012 "In Our Hands a Canvas" (for wind instruments, women's choir, organ, and electric guitar)
• 2020 “CodeSwitch Mixtape” (for wind instruments and electronics)

Choral Music (for Choirs)

• 2017 "A Vision Unfolding"
• 2022 "Black Ocean" (for choir and string quartet)
• 2023 "But, We Press On" (for children’s choir and piano)

Chamber Music (for Small Groups of Instruments)

• 2002 "Miles of Sun" (for violin, flute, bassoon, piano)
• 2007 "Atsia Derivare" (for a group of Ewe drums)
• 2012 "Neuron Speak" (for electric mandolin, guitars, and bass)
• 2020 "Mother of Bravery"

String Quartet Music

• 2017 "American Mirror"
• 2023 "Deliverance"

Duets and Trios (for 2 or 3 Instruments)

• 2006 "We Spoke" (for violin, ney, and vibraphone)
• 2020 "Mind the Rhythm" (for violin, electronics, and percussion)

Solo Music

• 2020 "Hum" (for violin, viola, or cello)
• 2022 "Old Soul Different Body" (for viola and electronics)

Music for Dance

Derrick Skye has composed music for many dance performances, including:

• 2006 "Exertion"
• 2011 "Imaginary Friends"
• 2013 "Super Ruwaxi: Origins (Revised)"

Music for Synchronized Swimmers

He has also created music for synchronized swimming routines:

• 2008 "Seven Sins"
• 2013 "From the Dark"

Film Music

Derrick Skye has composed music for several films:

• 2007 "Wind Runner"
• 2009 "The Layabouts"
• 2016 "The President of Malawi"
• 2021 "Cambodia Town Not for Sale"