Darren Van Derpoel resides in Diamond Bar, CA and works throughout Southern California as a music educator. After graduating from Vista HS in 2005, he went on to perform with Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Black Knights Indoor Percussion, Riverside Community College Marching Band, and RCC Indoor.

Darren earned his Bachelor's Degree in Marketing Management from Cal Poly Pomona in 2013. He currently serves as the co-director of Sidle Entertainment, the provider of the Los Angeles Charger's "Thunderbolt Drumline" who perform at all Charger home games and other special events throughout the year.

Darren has been an active percussion instructor in Southern California since 2005, working with several high schools and independent groups. He currently works with Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Dark Sky Percussion, Diamond Bar HS, Nogales HS, El Dorado HS, and Ayala HS. Darren also proudly uses Remo Drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, and Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets.