Tributary

“Tributary is a collective of musicians from around the US dedicated to performing spiritually rich and honest music that is thoughtful, creative and improvisatory.”
Des Moines based percussionist Derek Dreier is an eclectic musician and educator, versed in a variety of musical traditions. Derek has a passion for teaching and outreach, as well as a deep commitment to his craft.
Derek performs regularly with the Omaha and Des Moines symphonies and is a member of Des Moines’ Synergy Nonet and co-founder of Tributary, a collection of jazz musicians dedicated to spiritually informed music. Derek tours annually with International Steinway Artist Jim McDonough and previously participated in a national tour with Chicago’s Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters.
Derek currently serves as percussion instructor at Urbandale and Hoover high schools and maintains a private studio.
Derek’s primary teachers include, Boston Symphony percussionist Will Hudgins, former timpanist of the National Symphony John Tafoya, Afro-Cuban specialist Michael Spiro, all-around percussion virtuoso Dane Richeson and drum set and latin percussionist (and father) James Dreier. He holds degrees from Lawrence University and Indiana University and completed two years of post-graduate work at the New England Conservatory.