Don was the long-time band instructor at Scenic Junior High School and Crater High School.  He also taught elementary music at Sams Valley and band at Hanby Junior High. Don graduated from Medford Senior High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Oregon State College with an emphasis in music.

He began his teaching career in 1967 when he accepted a job teaching band at Central Point Junior High, later Scenic Junior High School.  Don taught band at Scenic for 13 years and during that time, his bands marched in numerous parades throughout Oregon.  His bands were regular participants in the annual Albany Veterans Day parade, and in 1976 his band was invited to march in the Junior Rose Parade in Portland.   Don states that one of his many highlights while working in the District was “developing a junior high band program that was highly successful in regional and state competitive events.”

In 1980 Don became the band instructor of the concert, jazz, marching and pep bands at Crater High School while at the same time serving as an itinerant music teacher at Richardson, Jewett and Sams Valley elementary schools.  Sports fans could count on his bands performing at half time of all home football games and most home basketball games.  During his years in District 6 he was instrumental in developing a program that collected used band instruments which were then made available for students who could not afford their own instrument.

Don retired after 30 years in the School District 6 and now spends ½ year in his Puerto Vallarta condo and ½ year in his Medford.   In 1980, Don toured five European countries as a member of the college alumni band. 1988 he was a founding member of the Rogue Valley Symphonic Band where he continues as a musician and current board member.  He currently is a volunteer for the Holly Theatre restoration project.  In addition to all those activities, Don is the Director of the Ashland City Band, a position he has held for the past 21 years.