Derek Edward Weston is one of the leading young conductors in Florida and is recognized as a leader in the artistic community of Tampa Bay. Skilled leading both orchestras and choirs, Derek is sought to led performances of many of the finest choral masterworks in the repertoire. He joined the staff at First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida as the Music Director of Traditional Worship in 2011, and he is also currently the Director of Choral Studies at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, Conductor of the Richey Community Orchestra, and Artistic Director of Diversity: Voices of Sarasota.
At the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, Derek teaches courses in choral and instrumental conducting, vocal performance, and conducts four choruses. The Symphonic Chorus frequently performs masterworks with the PCCA Orchestra under his baton. The PCCA Choral Arts Ensemble performed with Kenny Rogers in 2009 and Derek had the honor of conducing the performance. His musical success in Tampa Bay earned Derek the honor of serving as the Visiting Director of Choral Activities for Eckerd College during the spring of 2006.
Derek served four seasons as Artistic Director and Conductor of Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale and led several combined performances in conjunction with PCCA to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. These performances earned national attention and resulted in an invitation to join with other national and international choirs for a performance in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Timothy Seelig. Derek was appointed Assistant Conductor for this performance and led the 300-voice festival chorus in rehearsal. Under his leadership, Una Voce performed throughout the state of Florida, including Knight Concert Hall in Miami for GALA Festival 2008.
A native of Illinois, Derek earned his Master’s Degree in Orchestral and Choral Conducting and his Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Eastern Illinois University. During his graduate study, he was appointed as the conductor of the Women’s Chorus and served as assistant conductor of the Eastern Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, University Mixed Chorus, Concert Choir, and Oratorio society, all of which he conducted in performance.
Derek made his international conducting debut in 2003 with the Rosario Symphony Orchestra in Rosario, Argentina, one of South America’s permier professional orchestras. He has been active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for festivals, summer music camps, and community ensembles, both choral and instrumental. Derek, his wife Gwenn, son Gregory, and daughter Grace live in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Contact Info
727-894-4661, ext. 142
