Thomas Derthick*

Bass / Principal

Bassist/Teacher/Conductor Thomas Derthick enjoys a diverse musical career throughout Northern California and the Central Valley.  The long-time Principal Bassist of the Sacramento Symphony, Tom is currently Principal Bassist of the Sacramento Philharmonic, Opera, Ballet and Choral Society, as well as the Cabrillo Festival, America’s foremost Contemporary Music Festival.  He frequently performs with the Chamber Music Society of Sacramento and the Empyrean Ensemble, with whom he has recorded and toured.  Other performances include the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, San Diego Symphony and Oregon Symphony, as well as recording work and Broadway shows.  A quarter-century of service to his fellow professional musicians culminated in Tom’s 2006 election as Vice President of the Professional Musicians of Central California, AFM Local 12.

A member of the applied faculty at Sacramento State University and the University of California, Davis since 1982, Tom joined the faculty at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in 1988, where he has appeared as a soloist and guest conductor.  His university and private studios have helped many students into major graduate conservatory programs and major professional orchestras.  In 2000 Tom was named Music Director of the Central Valley Youth Symphony.  Under his leadership the orchestra has expanded its performance schedule, enrollment and community outreach; initiated its annual and highly successful Concerto Competition and collaborations with the Stockton Symphony; and twice performed in Carnegie Hall.  Tom also served as Interim Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra for the 2007-08 season, leading their first performance in the new Gallo Center for the Arts.