Darren Bastian

Darren Bastian is a musician, educator, and proud alumnus of Brigham Young University. His teaching experience includes both higher education and secondary schools. He served as percussion faculty at Utah Valley University, and directed the UVU Percussion Ensemble, the UVU Steel Band, and the Screamin’ Green Pep Band. He also directed ensembles and taught several classes and lessons at the University of North Texas while pursuing his Masters Degree. Most recently, he has been serving as the Director of Percussion at Lone Peak High School and Mountain Ridge Junior High. Dr. Bastian loves teaching and seeing the impact it has at all levels.

One of his teaching ventures was the development of a small business, Drum Labs. This business was a for-profit drum and percussion academy that combined private lessons with percussion ensembles. Drum Labs ensembles provided a fun and energetic environment where young percussionists could improve musicianship skills through performance.

As a performer, Dr. Bastian has worked with the Utah Symphony, Ballet West Orchestra, Utah Wind Symphony, Utah Chamber Artists, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and others. His own Drum Labs Steel Band also performs for private and corporate functions. He has served as timpanist and co-section leader for the Utah Wind Symphony. He has experience performing in both classical and jazz ensembles.

Dr. Bastian has been fortunate to study with many distinguished mentors. He earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona, a Master of Music from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Music from Brigham Young University. He has studied with three past presidents of the Percussive Arts Society: Gary Cook, Mark Ford, and Dr. Robert Schietroma; as well as other renowned music educators such as Norman Weinberg, Christopher Deane, Ed Soph, Paul Rennick, Ed Smith, Mike Steinel, Dr. Ron Brough, and Jay Lawrence. In addition, Dr. Bastian also undertook some post-doctoral studies in the Woodbury School of Business at UVU.