Derek Ellinger is a euphonium player pursuing a degree in instrumental/general music education at Ball State University. He aged out in 2008 with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps.

Derek has worked with several of the top high school marching programs in Indiana. He is currently on the visual staff at Carmel High School, a perennial BOA Grand Nationals finalist, and has also worked with Lawrence Central, Homestead, and Lewis Cass. In addition to his responsibilities with Carmel High School and the Blue Stars, he is a visual instructor for the Music for All "Summer Symposium" and a music/visual consultant for Dynamic Marching, LLC.

Derek is excited to begin his drum corps career with the Blue Stars. Contributing and collaborating with an already talented staff while working with musicians eager to learn and achieve excellence will make for a great summer!