DEREK M. JENKINS – COMPOSER​

into air, into thin air received a Special Mention in Dresdner Bläserphilharmonie's Winds Composition Contest Saxony

13 November 2025

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into air, into thin air for Wind Ensemble and Electronics has received a Special Mention for Blending Diverse Compositional Idioms in the Dresdner Bläserphilharmonie's Winds Composition Contest Saxony IV Edition. 

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RNCM International Brass Band Festival

13 November 2025

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We Seven for Brass Band was selected for performance at the 2026 Royal Northern College of Music International Brass Band Festival. It will be performed on the last day of festival by the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band. More information can be found here: RNCM International Brass Band Festival.

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Join the Imagine Without Bound Consortium

1 October 2025​

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Dr. Jennifer Oliverio, Principal Cornet of the Fountain City Bass Band and Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Missouri Western State University, is forming a consortium to commission Jenkins for a new work for narrator, flugelhorn, and piano. This new piece will be titled Imagine Without Bound. 

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Festival of New American Music

6 September 2025

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Gazing Earthward was named an Honorable Mention for the 3rd Annual Festival of New American Music Call for Scores. The festival is hosted by Sacramento State University. 

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Central Washington University New Music Festival

20 June 2025

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Remnants was selected for performance at the 2025 Central Washington University New Music Festival. The festival will take place 10-12 October 2025 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. 

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Brass Ensemble Version of "Dreams of America" Mvt. 4

20 June 2025

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Jenkins has arranged the fourth movement of Dreams of America for brass and percussion ensemble to be used as a stand alone fanfare. More information can be found here: Dreams of America.

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VoyageSTL Feature

28 April 2025

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Last fall, Jenkins was interviewed by VoyageSTL, an online magazine that features artists, small businesses, and creatives in and around St. Louis. The interview looks at Jenkins's journey from initial dreams of being a rocket designer to become a collegiate professor. Click here to read it: Conversations with Derek Jenkins.

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The American Prize Winner

21 November 2024

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Dreams of America has been named winner of the Marian Anderson Award for Social Justice (Professional Division) of The American Prize. A big thank you to Helen Harrelson and the National Youth Brass Band of America for commissioning the piece and to Fountain City Brass Band for their fantastic premiere in September 2022!

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Bold Journey Interview

24 October 2024

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Jenkins interviewed with Bold Journey, an online magazine dedicated to exploring problems and obstacles faced by many, including imposter syndrome and burnout. Through the interview Jenkins recalls what helped him navigate these situations and how he has come to terms with them. Click here to read it: Meet Derek Jenkins.

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