Derek Smith

Inducted: 2009

Derek Smith has been a member of the Michigan Color Guard Circuit for 25 years. He began his marching career in 1990 with Forté from Grand Rapids and marched there for six years. The following year, Derek began teaching Interplay, and became the Director in 2000. Interplay has competed at all three levels of competition from A to World Class, has been a Winter Guard International Finalist 18 times, and brought home a Gold Medal in Open Class is 2005 and a Silver Medal in A Class in 2008. While additionally working with Music For All, he has also instructed many drum corps, marching bands and winter guards across the country; and is a widely respected adjudicator and clinician in the Midwest. As a Chemistry and Forensic Science teacher in the Northview Public School District, he has had an exemplary career and continues to impact young people positively both in and outside of the classroom. He has the natural ability to teach in a way that is positive, constructive and most importantly, enjoyable. Derek is a credit to MCGC, and we are fortunate to experience his talents year in and year out.