ROB DERKE

Rob Derke - saxophonist, educator, composer, arranger, producer, and conductor - has become known to a growing audience for his extreme versatility. Although he has made a statement in many musical styles, Rob has consistently incorporated his varied experience into jazz saxophone. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was educated at New York City's LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, later receiving his bachelorʼs degree from the Manhattan School of Music and his masterʼs degree from SUNY Purchase. Inspired by his first teachers, Dave Schildkraut (formerly with Miles Davis, Stan Kenton, and others) and world-renowned jazz educator Justin DiCioccio, Rob began his career deeply rooted in the jazz tradition Rob Derke has appeared with such jazz greats as Red Rodney, Clark Terry, the Heath brothers, Jon Faddis, Ray Vega, and Randy Brecker. His appearances have included performances as a player, conductor, and composer at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, read more...