Don Stone - Trombone

There must not be an overabundance of trombone players in the state of Montana. Between work, school, home and music, Don Stone is one busy guy. With local music obligations & opportunities as diverse as jazz, dixieland, symphony, big band, reggae, blues, brass ensemble and church music, Don fits the classic description of a “versatile” player. Bandleaders from all around Montana as well as Oregon, Washington and California have recognized Don’s abilities and used him in regular and sub situations at many festivals and concerts around the Northwest.

Don grew up in Great Falls, Montana and began playing trombone at age nine in the school band program. His career as a trombonist really began in 1970 after high school with enlistment in the US Marine Corps. Duty stations during those years included field bands at Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, and San Diego. After three years of parades, honor guards and raising the colors, Don decided military life was not for him and became a civilian again, but with a wealth of experience as a working musician. During his military years, he took every opportunity to play in pop, rock, soul and jazz bands and came away from those years with a wealth of musical experience.

A year at the College of Great Falls and four more at the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley) earned Don a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education which resulted in finding employment as a public school music teacher in the Montana communities of Great Falls, Hot Springs, Butte and Helena. Later, returning to college in the early 1990’s, Don earned a Masters Of Music Degree from the University Of Montana. Since 1985, Don has served in the Helena Public Schools as an elementary general music teacher and as a private/studio teacher of brass instruments.

During more that three decades as a teacher, Don Stone has continued to perform as often as possible in a wide variety of situations. As co-leader of the Last Chance Dixieland Jazz Band, he has been heard at many jazz festivals throughout Montana and the Northwest. At home, Don plays frequently for restaurants, clubs and casual dates as well as bringing a variety of jazz combinations into his church once a month. For more than twenty years, Don has been principal trombonist in the Helena Symphony Orchestra.

Don Stone currently lives in Helena, Montana with his wife Cathy and their daughter Claire.

Check out this recent article speaking to a performance by Don, brother George and niece Tobi titled Don and the Family Stone to Jazz Up the Metropolitan Dinner Club.

Don's discography includes:

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