Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE TAKE CHANCES TOUR?
Derik Nelson is touring high school auditoriums this fall with a free inspirational assembly, plus a live concert fundraising opportunity with his band, to help raise money for arts & music programs at schools across Washington, Oregon, and California. A portion of evening concert ticket sales go back to the school.
WHO IS DERIK?
Frontman is DERIK NELSON , touring artist, singer/songwriter/producer; lead guitarist on FOX TV show "GLEE." His singing voice has been heard on FOX's "Raising Hope," CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother,” NBC’s “Go On” and “The Voice,” and his original music has been featured on the WB hit TV series "Felicity," as well as the feature film “Commencement.” Most notably, Derik helped to pilot the Popular Music Performance degree program at the University of Southern California, the first degree program of its kind at any major university in the United States.
WHAT IS THE CONCERT LIKE?
A professional evening concert experience, open to the public, performed by Derik and his band on your auditorium stage. This is a grand, high-powered experience with lights, big sound, and awesome music. 90 minute pop/rock/jazz set. No intermission. Appropriate for all-ages. Open to the public. Performed content is 1/2 original and 1/2 cover songs in contemporary pop genre (i.e. Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5)
WHAT IS THE ASSEMBLY COMPONENT?
We include a free inspirational/motivational assembly during that afternoon in your auditorium. Entire student body is invited, to capacity. Lecture and Q&A with students. 60 minutes in duration. Topics discussed include creativity, self-discipline, out-of-the-box thinking, college planning, setting goals, and our tour’s theme: how to “Take Chances.” Curriculum outline and biographies of each panelist will be provided to the school in advance for administration overview.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU BRING? DO YOU NEED ANYTHING FROM OUR SCHOOL?
Our team is independently equipped: our staff brings all sound, lighting, equipment. Our set-up/tear-down takes place on the same day as the assembly and concert. Our team assumes financial risk, to allow your school this unique opportunity to fundraise with a “sky’s the limit” mentality. We provide a supported, well-received opportunity, and depend on student & staff enthusiasm to sell tickets. We require a SINGLE point-of-contact faculty member.
I WANT TO NOMINATE A HIGH SCHOOL I KNOW OF... IS IT EASY?
Yes! It's super easy, and anybody can nominate a school (or multiple schools) by clicking HERE. We definitely want to learn about your school, to see if it would be a good fit for this program. We're currently booking schools in Washington, Oregon, and California. Concerts will be open to the public, so even if you're no longer in high school, you can nominate (and attend!) a high school location close to you!
Derik Nelson is touring high school auditoriums this fall with a free inspirational assembly, plus a live concert fundraising opportunity with his band, to help raise money for arts & music programs at schools across Washington, Oregon, and California. A portion of evening concert ticket sales go back to the school.
WHO IS DERIK?
Frontman is DERIK NELSON , touring artist, singer/songwriter/producer; lead guitarist on FOX TV show "GLEE." His singing voice has been heard on FOX's "Raising Hope," CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother,” NBC’s “Go On” and “The Voice,” and his original music has been featured on the WB hit TV series "Felicity," as well as the feature film “Commencement.” Most notably, Derik helped to pilot the Popular Music Performance degree program at the University of Southern California, the first degree program of its kind at any major university in the United States.
WHAT IS THE CONCERT LIKE?
A professional evening concert experience, open to the public, performed by Derik and his band on your auditorium stage. This is a grand, high-powered experience with lights, big sound, and awesome music. 90 minute pop/rock/jazz set. No intermission. Appropriate for all-ages. Open to the public. Performed content is 1/2 original and 1/2 cover songs in contemporary pop genre (i.e. Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5)
WHAT IS THE ASSEMBLY COMPONENT?
We include a free inspirational/motivational assembly during that afternoon in your auditorium. Entire student body is invited, to capacity. Lecture and Q&A with students. 60 minutes in duration. Topics discussed include creativity, self-discipline, out-of-the-box thinking, college planning, setting goals, and our tour’s theme: how to “Take Chances.” Curriculum outline and biographies of each panelist will be provided to the school in advance for administration overview.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU BRING? DO YOU NEED ANYTHING FROM OUR SCHOOL?
Our team is independently equipped: our staff brings all sound, lighting, equipment. Our set-up/tear-down takes place on the same day as the assembly and concert. Our team assumes financial risk, to allow your school this unique opportunity to fundraise with a “sky’s the limit” mentality. We provide a supported, well-received opportunity, and depend on student & staff enthusiasm to sell tickets. We require a SINGLE point-of-contact faculty member.
I WANT TO NOMINATE A HIGH SCHOOL I KNOW OF... IS IT EASY?
Yes! It's super easy, and anybody can nominate a school (or multiple schools) by clicking HERE. We definitely want to learn about your school, to see if it would be a good fit for this program. We're currently booking schools in Washington, Oregon, and California. Concerts will be open to the public, so even if you're no longer in high school, you can nominate (and attend!) a high school location close to you!
Fall 2013 Tour in review!
“That group was so positive and professional! We need more groups like them in our school!”
- Jim Dunlop, band director, Century High School
“They were so nice and generous. It’s nice to have a professional group that is mellow and sincere and appreciative of our kids.”
- Mary Kay Babcock, choir teacher
"We are thrilled Kentlake is one of the schools selected for this unique fundraising concert experience. District budget cuts unfortunately affect our drama program. In one night, the funds created by Derik's concert will help buy musical rights and licenses, sets and costumes, help our students take on more leadership and responsibility, and boost the awareness of our program." - Pamela Cressey, Kentlake High School's Drama director
- Jim Dunlop, band director, Century High School
“They were so nice and generous. It’s nice to have a professional group that is mellow and sincere and appreciative of our kids.”
- Mary Kay Babcock, choir teacher
"We are thrilled Kentlake is one of the schools selected for this unique fundraising concert experience. District budget cuts unfortunately affect our drama program. In one night, the funds created by Derik's concert will help buy musical rights and licenses, sets and costumes, help our students take on more leadership and responsibility, and boost the awareness of our program." - Pamela Cressey, Kentlake High School's Drama director