Derrada R. Rubell-Asbell is a native of Fort Worth (currently living in Dallas), and has been involved with church music ever since he was six years old. He first started playing music for New Mount Calvary Baptist Church (Fort Worth, TX) at the age of 12, and advanced his musical abilities by learning to play the organ during that time. He moved his membership to University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Worth, where he was under the mentorship and guidance of Ronald Shirey. During his time at University Christian Church, he became the Youth and Celebration Singers Choir Director, and the Assistant Director of the Chancel Choir. These opportunities helped him grow into bigger roles, including the Youth Choir and Associate Chancel Choir Director of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church (Southlake, TX), Chancel Choir Director of Rush Creek Christian Church (Disciples of Christ, Arlington, TX), and the Director of Music and Worship at First United Methodist Church (Waxahachie, TX). Derrada received the call to be our Director of Music Ministries in September of 2018.  Derrada is a graduate of Texas Christian University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a concentration in Choral & Vocal Education. Derrada is currently a board member for the Greater Dallas Handbell Association and member of the Choristers’ Guild; he has been a Board Member of the Dallas Chapter of the Choristers’ Guild and has held memberships in the Texas Music Educators’ Association and the Texas Choral Directors’ Association.                                                                                   In his free time, Derrada thoroughly enjoys walking, exercising at home and the gym, cooking, bowling, and vigorously cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks. His favorite books are James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series, A Promised Land, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Every Day a Friday, and The Hate U Give. While he works at the church year-long, he takes time during the summer and winter seasons to be a dog-sitter.