| In Memoriam
Donald spent over 30 years as Associate Professor of Percussion at Virginia Commonwealth University and also served on the faculty of the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. A native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania he held a Bachelor of Music and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School and a Master of Music from the University of Maryland. His teachers included Ronald Barnett, John Beck and William Street. Donald's extensive professional experience comprised 25 years as Principal Percussionist of the Richmond Symphony and membership in The United States Marine Band ("The President's Own"), a position he gained successfully under pressure of having already been drafted during the Vietnam conflict. He also appeared frequently with the Graz Festival Orchestra, the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap Orchestras, the Rochester Philharmonic, the Spoleto Festival Orchestra and in national tours with Ragtime and Holiday on Ice. Donald recorded for Deutsche Gramophone, Phillips, Opus One, Elan, Vox-Turnabout and Centaur. He was a past-president of the Virginia Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. In his many years of college teaching, Donald's modest-sized but highly demanding program at VCU guided numerous pupils to successful teaching and performing careers. The accomplishments of his students illustrate the power of high expectations and dedicated coaching that he brought to his pedagogy. From the beginning of freshman year, Donald insisted upon the highest standard of professional conduct. His ensembles played with impeccable musicality. He fostered a seriousness of approach within his studio that prepared his graduates to a maturity level well ahead of their ages or, in many cases, their natural gifts. An unselfish mentor and listener, Donald had the gifts of a nearly flawless memory and the ability to converse with intelligence on virtually any topic. A tireless and career-long advocate for musicians' labor rights, he often represented fellow players' interests on orchestra negotiating committees. He taught his students not just how to play and listen, but also how to make a living and gain respect as performers in any genre. Donald avidly enjoyed photography, creative cooking, his dogs Buster and Leroy, physical fitness and world travel -- particularly his trips to Austria and Eastern Europe, Portugal and India. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Hargreaves, of Wilkes-Barre, a brother, John Hargreaves, of Great Meadows, NJ and nephew, John G. Hargreaves. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of VCU Music, 922 Park Avenue, Richmond, VA 23284-2004 to support scholarships for music students, or to your local SPCA. |
