RIJF 2023

New Horizons Jazz Ensemble Directed by Don Sherman

Don became the first principal percussionist for the Duluth Symphony
Orchestra at age 19, while attending the University of Wisconsin in Superior,
majoring in Music Education.

Soon after earning his Bachelor of Music degree, Don was drafted into the
US Army and served as a bandsman, lead percussionist, jazz drummer,
vocalist and concert announcer with the 1st Infantry Division Band. He was
awarded a meritorious citation.

He continued graduate studies in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia, NY
and taught percussion privately at his home studio in Rochester. He played
professionally in the Rochester area since 1975 as a drummer, percussionist,
vocalist, flutist and band leader.

Don taught instrumental and vocal music in the Rochester City School
District for over 25 years. He was a lead teacher and mentor for new music
teachers in the RCSD and earned the JP Morgan Chase Foundation award for
Classroom Innovation along with the prestigious Mr. Holland’s Opus
Foundation award for outstanding service to students and the music education
profession.

After joining the New Horizons program in 2014, he reformed and directs
what is now the New Horizons Jazz Ensemble, along with his newly formed
Green Jazz Band.