D. M. H. Independent Drums&Percussion

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:13

Biography

Darren is a drummer/ percussionist who plays in numerous bands based in central Oklahoma, as well as performing as a solo musician. He has performed for many thousands of people over his six year performing career. He plays all percussion instruments, including marching, concert, and ethnic percussion, as well as drumset. He has gained recognition as one of the leading high school percussionists in the state. He continues to strive for and achieve sucess not only on the stage and in the stuidio, but in the classroom as well. He has been selected as a Commended National Merit Scholar, and recently earned a composite score of 33 on the ACT. He also maintains a 4.0 GPA, participates in National Honor Society, serves as president of the Midwest City HS band council, drumline captain, and percussion section leader, and enjoys bowling and golf.
 

Current Ensembles

  • Midwest City High School Drumline and Marching Band
  • Midwest City High School Wind Ensemble
  • Midwest City High School Symphonic Band
  • Midwest City High School Jazz Band
  • Midwest City High School Basketball Band
  • Midwest City High School Winter Drumline
  • St. Matthew UMC Praise Orchestra
  • Allan Johnson Praise Band
  • Highway 9 (Blues/ Southern Rock)
  • Eleven Days Journey (Christian Rock)

Awards

  • Monroney Jr. High Outstanding Beginning Percussionist
  • Monroney Jr. High Chris Reynolds Award for Outstanding Eighth Grader
  • Monroney Jr. High E. Paul Enix Award for Outstanding Band Student
  • Midwest City High School Outstanding Marching Band Sophomore
  • Midwest City High School Outstanding Overall Jazz Musician
  • Numerous International Association for Jazz Education Outstanding Soloist Citations 
  • Southwestern Oklahoma State University JazzFest Outstanding Junior High Musician
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Bach Around the Glock" Mallet Solo (2005)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Drag Racer" Concert Snare Drum Solo (2006)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "William Tell Overture" Percussion Ensemble (2006)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "But Saddness Charms" Mallet Solo (2007)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Ran Kan Kan" Percussion Ensemble (2007)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Legend of a Two-Eyed Soldier" Marching Snare Drum Solo (2008)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Green Run" Mallet Solo (2008)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Etude #3" Concert Snare Drum Solo (2009)
  • Regional Superior Rating- "Katamiya" Marimba Solo (2009)
  • State Superior Rating- "Katamiya" Marimba Solo (2009)
  • Member of WGPO State Champion Winter Drumline

Chairs Earned

  • 1st Chair Percussion- Monroney Junior High Beginning Band
    (2004-05)
  • 1st Chair Percussion- Monroney Junior High Advanced Band
    (2005-06)(2006-07)*
  • Percussion Alternate- Oklahoma Centennial Band
    (2006)
  • 3rd Chair Percussion- SWOSU Summer Band Camp Honor Band
    (2007)
  • Percussion III Alternate- Central Oklahoma Directors Association Honor Band
    (2007)
  • 4th Chair Percussion- SWOSU Summer Band Camp Honor Band
    (2008)
  • Drumset- SWOSU Summer Band Camp Jazz Band A
    (2008)
  • Snare Drum- Midwest City High School Drumline
    (2007-08)(2008-09)*(2009-10)*
  • Drumset- Midwest City High School Jazz Band
    (2007-08)(2008-09)(2009-10)*
  • 1st Chair Percussion- Midwest City High School Wind Ensemble
    (2007-08)*(2008-09)*
  • Percussion III- Central Oklahoma Directors Association Wind Ensemble
    (2008-09)
  • Percussion- Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Jazz Band
    (2008-09)

 *section leader