Derrick J. Jackson  

Atlanta 

 Derrick J. Jackson is a distinguished artist, dedicated educator, and clinician, renowned for his significant contributions to Georgia’s artistic landscape. He has over 25 years of experience as a professional trombonist, with performances in theater, film, television, and recordings across various genres. His unique sound and passion for music have highlighted the African Diaspora’s influence on American music, particularly through Jazz, Swing, and Hip Hop.  

Jackson served as band director and curriculum developer in Clayton County Public Schools for over 20 years and is currently the Director of Bands at Charles R. Drew Charter School (Junior and Senior Academies) in Atlanta. Jackson’s students have gone on to achieve national and international acclaim, and he has shaped music education curriculum through the National Association of Schools of Music (Georgia Music Education Taskforce) and the Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators (Music Education Taskforce). Jackson is also a member of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s Fine Arts Task Force. Jackson is on the Georgia Council for the Arts’ Teaching Artist Roster and has worked with the Shuler Hensley Awards (Georgia High School Musical Theatre). He has also served as a radio talk show host, highlighting various topics in music education and local artists. Jackson is currently writing two books aimed at guiding young musicians and educators.