About George
George Darrah is a Boston-based composer, drummer, and music educator known for his versatility and passion for working in many different musical genres and settings. An award-winning composer, George has been commissioned to compose for jazz and classical ensembles. He is a dynamic performer in different styles, including jazz, symphonic orchestras, funk, pop and big bands. He currently serves on the faculty of Endicott College as assistant professor of music teaching lessons in drum set and composition, courses and founded the Endicott Percussion Ensemble. In addition, he maintains an active studio instructing composition and drum set/percussion.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music with a Masters degree in Jazz Composition, George studied composition with Bill Dobbins, Dave Rivello, Harold Danko and David Liptak. While at Eastman, he taught jazz theory and history as a graduate instructor and performed on drum set with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. Prior to that, George also attended the University of Tampa, graduating cum laude with degrees in music and history.
Throughout George’s career, he has composed and arranged music for the Boston Pops Orchestra, Jeff Tyzik and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Makoto Ozone (Tokyo Jazz Festival), Dave Liebman, Bobby Shew, Eddie Daniels, Ingrid Jensen and Jane Monheit. He has performed with Byron Stripling, Sutton Foster, Michael Feinstein, Jean Yves- Thibaudet, Branford Marsalis, Dave Liebman, Bill Holman, Bill Dobbins, Kelli O’Hara, Mandy Gonzalez, Heather Headley, Susan Egan, Dick Johnson, Billy Novick, Harold Danko In addition, he has performed with Broadway shows at North Shore Music Theatre, Greater Boston Stage Company and Company Theatre, to name a few. His most notable performances were on the Today Show with Al Roker and performing for President Barack Obama and then vice-president Joe Biden.
Since 2022, George has been the drummer for Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Some recent accomplishments include being featured with the Hong Kong Ballet’s production of The Great Gatsby, Sarasota Orchestra, going on tour to Japan performing with the Boston Pops, composing for The Boston Celebrity Series featuring Michael Avitabile, receiving two Downbeat awards and performing at the Rochester Jazz Festival with the Eastman All-Star/ Alumni Big Band.
As an artist that performs and composes music, I care very much about the communal aspect of bringing out the best in the musicians that I am working with. I try to be mindful of the balance between the musicians and the audience/listeners by creating music that is meaningful and inclusive of everyone. I truly believe through music, we can have a positive impact on the world.