Faculty Profile: Meet Don Dregalla
The multi-colored flags on the orchestra rehearsal room walls, represent the many countries that Don Dregalla’s students have visited and where they have performed during his 30 years of teaching and conducting—Spain, Italy, Ireland, China, Hungary, to name a few. Dr. D. (as he’s known on campus), chair of the music department, teaches Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and introductory music classes.
“The best part about teaching music is beginning the year by introducing students to a piece of music for the first time,” he says. When he selects music for performances, Don looks for variety: “I try to find pieces the students will be able to play, but that are challenging enough for them to have to work at it.
“I love being part of the process that takes a piece from those early stages to a live performance. Watching the students grow—as individuals and as an ensemble—is wonderful. Milton students are bright, energetic, and hard workers. Working with them is terrific.”
Don’s love of instrumental music began when he was young, with the drums. He studied percussion and music education at the New England Conservatory and taught for several years in public schools. He earned a master’s in conducting at the Conservatory and came to Milton shortly thereafter. In the early ’90s, he used a sabbatical year to begin a program in music education at Ohio State, eventually earning his Ph.D.
Of all his roles at Milton—which include teacher, advisor, Class II Dean—Don says he most enjoys conducting the ensembles. “The Chamber Orchestra is the more advanced group, so we can take on more difficult pieces,” he says. “But I really enjoy working with the younger students, as well. They have this energy you wish you could bottle up and save. They are just so enthusiastic about what they are doing.”
“When we tour, the students are able to play together more frequently, which really brings them together. And the group sounds better when they return. On these trips, we balance performing with free and structured time to explore and learn about the history where are visiting.” This year, Don is planning the Chamber Orchestra’s trip to Poland and Germany.
Don enjoys music during his scarce downtime. He listens to music daily and regularly attends concerts at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
