Darrell first played with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra as a section percussionist in the spring of 1980 while he was still in high school. That fall he joined the orchestra as Timpanist, and played here for four seasons before moving to Winnipeg for studies. He returned to the Timpanist position in Saskatoon in 1989, and has been anchoring that spot ever since. While Darrell was in Winnipeg he performed regularly with the Winnipeg Symphony, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Orchestra and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra as a section percussionist. Following his studies in Winnipeg Darrell returned to Saskatoon for two more years of university (1986-1988), during which time he served as Principal Percussionist for the SSO. 

As an orchestral percussionist Darrell has played for numerous internationally known conductors and performers, Broadway musicals and touring ballets, as well as local choirs and theatre groups. Darrell also performs with other ensembles using a variety of instruments he has collected over the years. On any given weekend he might be found around the city busking, performing as a soloist on marimba, playing drum set for a local band, or performing the music of Central and South America on hand percussion. 

When Darrell is not performing he is busy teaching percussion, both at home in his private teaching studio, and as Applied Percussion Instructor and Sessional Lecturer in Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan. His home studio is also where he runs a small recording business (Seashell Sound Productions). Over the years Darrell has helped many local artists record and produce their work. 

Darrell has also released two of his own CDs: Out of the Blue (2002), a collection of his own hymn arrangements, and Seashells & Turtles (1999), a collection of Mexican and Guatemalan folk songs for marimba which he recorded with this friend Scott Tunison under the name Rosewood Marimba Duo. Both recordings were nominated for outstanding instrumental recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Darrell’s performances, compositions and arrangements have also been recorded by CBC radio and featured on CBC radio Saskatchewan. 

Darrell is a graduate of the University of Manitoba (B.A.) and the University of Saskatchewan (B. Mus. Mus. Ed. and M. Ed. in instrumental music).