Derek Woods, who has been the Dripping Springs High School assistant band director since 2003, will become the school’s Band Director when Keith Lancaster retires in December.
During his time at Dripping Springs High School, Woods has worked with the marching and symphonic bands, as well as the varsity and junior varsity color guards. Woods also has worked with the DSHS Wind Ensemble, and concert bands.
The Dripping Springs performing groups under Woods’ direction have been highly decorated. The DSHS Varsity Winter Guard won a state title and placed 10th at the World Championships in 2016, and also earned Silver Medals three different years, and Bronze Medals twice. DSHS Symphonic Bands have consistently earned Superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading contests. The Tiger Marching Band has been a BOA (Bands of America) regional finalist three years and a champion once. In the UIL State Marching Band Competition, DSHS has been a finalist three times, won a Silver Medal in 2011, and won the state title in 2009. The DSHS Wind Ensemble has placed in the top five twice in the TMEA Honor Band Competition.
Before coming to Dripping Springs, Woods taught at Corpus Christi Flour Bluff High for two years, Bear Creek High School in Littleton, Colo., for three years, and Wateska High School (Ill.) for four years. While at Bear Creek, the school’s marching band, wind ensemble and winter guard received numerous honors. The Wateska marching band won consecutive state titles during Woods’ tenure.
Woods earned a bachelor’s degree in Musical Education from Northern Illinois University. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. Woods has served as president of the Rocky Mountain Color Guard Association and the Texas Color Guard Circuit 2007-2011, and was awarded the TCGC Randy Julia Service Award in 2017. A trombonist and pianist, Woods is a native of Westerville, Ohio.
