Don’s first public keyboard recital was in 1948 at New York City’s Wurlitzer Hall. Combining two of his strongest interests, music and electronics, Don’s first job was as an engineer at the world headquarters of the Muzak Corporation in New York. After moving to Atlanta, he began studying woodwinds. What started out to be an interest in Saxophone Quartet playing evolved into Big Band reed section playing. In recent years, Don has become a low reed specialist, having played on several concert and big bands in the Atlanta area.

On the classical side of the ledger, Don has conducted the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra during concerts on the winter subscription series at Symphony Hall, as well as the summer series at Chastain Park. His most recent performance with the ASO was of Ravel’s Bolero.

Don is the founder and Business Manager of Big Band Contractors, LLC, a commercial service providing private label Big Bands.