Don’s lifelong love of all forms of music began as a child listening to Beatles records with his mother, walking up the hills of Holyoke with his father to take trumpet lessons, and fostered by loving grandparents.  As a young teenager, Don taught himself to play the bass forming various bands with his friends.  While in high school, he was an active member of the jazz, concert, and marching bands, performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade and staring as “Curley” in Okalahoma.  As a popular music history buff, Don prides himself on his extensive collection of recordings and knowledge of musical history and artists.

As a member of “Danny and the Nightstars”, as well as a variety of area bands, Don put himself through college at the University of Massachusetts .  Studying trumpet with the renowned Walter Chesnut, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1978.  Performing the Berlios Requiem at the Lincoln Center broadcast of Great Performances with the full instrumentation of over 1000 musician and singers, including four full brass choirs, for only the second time in 500 years was a true highlight of his life.  Don continued his post-graduate work studying jazz with the great Dr. Billy Taylor and in the jazz program at Arizona State University .  He earned his Masters Degree in Administration and is a certified Director of Arts.

  Don has taught music in public school systems and to private students in Massachusetts , Maine and Arizona , and is currently a public school principal and strong supporter of arts education.  He is fostering music within his own family playing trumpet duets with his son, flute with one daughter and enduring endless ballet classes with the other.  Don (along with Bob) played as a member of "Time Machine" in the 1980's, which was also the beginning of After Five Entertainment.  “Double Play” (with Larry Lewis) and “Impulse” and "The Pecos River Band (both again with Bob) are other successful musical ventures.

With "After Five Entertainment", Don plays guitar, trumpet, keyboards, and sings, as well as playing your favorite dance songs as a Master of Ceremonies/D.J.