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About Don
Latest NewsDon recently completed arranging and orchestrating the pops orchestra show "Iconic Songs of the 70's" which premiers in Edmonton in August, 2015. It was an exciting and fun project that made for an enjoyable but too short summer.
Classes at State College of Florida this year include Fundamentals of Music, Theory I, Aural Theory I, Music Appreciation, and new for this year, he will also be playing for the Music Theatre Class which will include a production of "The Civil War." As usual he will also be accompnying the recital hour series, student recitals and juries.
Annual events for Don include the Brunetti workshop for the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, and the AMICCO concert season including the third annual Symphony on the Sand–this year including the performance of one of Don's arrangements.
Don continues to perform with Sarah Combs playing traditional jazz and contemporary styles, as well as services the the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. He also plays various classical concerts, recitals, auditions, cabarets, and jazz dates for a variety of venues up and down the West Coast of Florida.
If you'd like to know more about any of Don's projects, or are interested in booking Don for an event, please leave him a voicemail using the contact page. Don's BioDon Bryn–Pianist, Composer, arranger, orchestrator, and Musical Director–moved to Sarasota from Hawaii and now splits his time between playing, writing, and teaching. He plays classical piano concerts, and pop and jazz with local bands, accompanies services for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, serves as accompanist and soloist for the Anna Maria Island Concert Choir and Orchestra, as well as being a staff accompanist at State College of Florida. Don also teaches Music Theory at SCF as an adjunct professor, teaches private piano lessons, and works as a vocal coach for the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.
Before Hawaii Don spent 12 years touring the globe, during with time he played and conducted over 300 shows a year, including performances by Burt Bacharach, Lorna Luft, Nestor Torres, John Raitt, Jim Nabors, and Charo, as well as Musical Directing the National Tour of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". Before traveling, Don musical directed and arranged a variety of shows for the Pittsburg Playhouse and Gargaro Productions in Pittsburgh. Don has also performed with the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, and in a very special performance for the Pittsburgh Symphony where he played the piano—in full costume—as Mozart.
Don received his Piano Performance and Music Technology degree from Duquesne University as well as his Master’s degree in Composition. He has become known for his arrangements for jazz and show bands and has composed pieces for everything from classical guitar and concert choirs to new music, electronic ensembles and large orchestra. Most recently he has arranged pieces for the Sarasota Pops orchestra and the pops orchestra show, "Iconic Songs of the 70's". His “Piano Sextet in D” played live by Alias Chamber Ensemble on Nashville radio as part of a local composer’s series, and “Too Much Of A Good Thing” for large orchestra was recorded in Melbourne, Australia.
Client listAmerican Hawaii Cruises American Legion, Bradenton Also Youth of Sarasota Anna Maria Island Concert Choir and Orchestra Asolo Repertoiry Theater Bay Village, Sarasota Bay Walk, St. Petersburg Bentley's, Venice Bird Key Yacht Club Blue Q, Siesta Key Bradenton Yacht Club Broadway Bar Cafe L'Europe, St. Armands Chelsea Center, Sarasota Collier's Reserve, Naples Commodore Cruise Line Crown Cruise Line Cunard Line Deborah Suta Easter Seals Society Encore Attractions Florida Professional Theaters Association Flounders, Englewood Gargaro Productions Grand Prix Holland America Line Jazz Club of Sarasota Jazz Club of Venice Jennifer Leigh Julie Cornwall Kennedy Entertainment Lake House West Lido Key Yacht Club Life Care of Sarasota Longboat Key Club Main Street Trattoria, Lakewood Ranch Marina Jack Mattison's 41 South Mattison's City Grill Mattisons Riverside Michael's On East New College of Florida Norwegian Cruise Line Opera Theater of Pittsburgh Pelican Cove Pelican Pete's The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble The Pittsburgh Playhouse The Pittsburgh Symphony Providence Presbyterian Church Ritz-Carlton Beach Club Ritz-Carlton Sarasota River Strand Gold and Country Club Robert Lischetti SAI International Music Fraternity The Sarasota Pops Sarasota Yacht Club Sarasota Bay Club Selby Gardens State College Of Florida St. Martha's Catholic Church Suncoast Wine Festival The Cottage, Siesta Key The Glenview at Pelican Bay The Riverhouse, Palmetto Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota Venice Symphony The Venturas Village Walk -
For a word document version of this resume, click here.
Resume and Work History
State College of Florida, Music Theory Adjunct, Staff Accompanist 2013- Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, Accompanist/Soloist 2012- Sarah Combs, Keyboards/Vocals 2012- Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Singing Coach/Accompanist/Musical Consultant 2011- Anna Maria Island Concert Choir & Orchestra, Accompanist/Soloist 2009- Jennifer Leigh, Keyboards/Vocals 2008-2013 Norwegian Cruise Line, Band Master/Music Director 2005-2008 Holland America Line, Musical Director 1996-2004 American Hawaii Cruises, Musical Director 2000-2001 Kennedy Entertainment, Musical Director 1997 Cunard Line, Musical Director/Cocktail Pianist 1997 Encore Attractions, Musical Director, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers Nat'l tour 1996 Crown/Commodore Cruise Lines, Musical Director 1994-95 Gargaro Productions, Musical Director 1992-94 Peter Pan, West Side Story, Annie, A Lyric Christmas Carol, A Chorus Line, The Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, Beehive The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Conductor/Keyboards 1992-94 Company, Into the Woods (Concert), Cats (Selections), Les Miserables (Selections) Providence Presbyterian Church, Musical Director 1993-94 Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Keyboards 1993 The Pittsburgh Symphony (Mostly Mozart), Piano 1991 The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Keyboards 1991-92 Cedar Point (Amusement Park), Band Leader/Keyboards 1990-92 Duquesne University Tamburitzans, Singer/Dancer 1988-90 Teaching Experience
State College of Florida, Music Theory, Ear Training, Music Appreciation 2013- Private Piano, Jazz/Classical 2008- Allegro Music Academy, Jazz/Classical 2008-2013 Seton Center Suzuki School of Music, Piano/Creative Ability Development 1993-94 The Playhouse Conservatory, Accompanist/Coach 1990-94 The City Music Center At Duquesne University, MIDI and Music 1992-93 Private Piano, Robinson Township Christian School/Spratt's Music 1990-94 Education
Master of Music, Composition - Duquesne University, 1992 Assistantship, Music Technology Bachelor of Fine Arts, Piano Performance/Music Technology - Duquesne University, 1990 Magna Cum Laude Pi Kappa Lambda A Creative career can be difficult to box into a traditional resume. There are many more projects that are not listed on this traditional resume such as composing, musical directing, recording, and publishing projects. If you would like more information about my experience in these areas, please contact me. Work and ethic references are available on request.
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Composing
Don greatest love in music is composing, arranging, and orchestrating.
Don has written pieces for Large Orchestra, Chamber Groups, Choir, Electronic Ensemble, and solo instruments, as well as arrangements for shows of all types, from the National Tour of "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" to small bands and cabarets. His most recent project, the pops orchestra show "Iconic Songs of the 70's" opens in Edmonton in August, 2015.
Audio Recordings
CompositionsThe Pops orchestra show "Iconic Songs of the 70's" opened with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bob Bernhardt in August, 2015, to a sold out audience as part of their Symphony Under the Sky Festival. The show features some of the all-time favorite hits by Singer-Songwriters of the 1970's, completely orchestrated by Don and featuring many of his original arrangements. You can find out more about the show and where it will be playing by visiting this site: http://iconicsongsofthe70s.com, and you can hear some clips of the synth mock-ups here, or an 8-minute reel of orchestration highlights.
Play Iconic 70's Songs in Player Play Iconic 70's songs Reel- "Too Much Of A Good Thing" for large orchestra was recorded in melbourne, Australia in 2002.
- "Piano Sextet #1 in D" was chosen for live studio broadcast by Alias Chamber Ensemble in 2005.
ArrangementsThis is a mix of mostly live recordings and therefore of varying quality. It's quite a variety of jazz standards, pop tunes, and cabaret-style performances.
Play Arrangements in Player
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Performance
Classical Favorites, jazz standards, duos and bands, and accompaniment.
Don plays classical concerts up and down the west coast of Florida, as well as working with local singers, bands, and opera vocalists. He plays jazz and cocktail piano, show auditions, cabaret shows, and services for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Artists and Venues
Classical Concerts, Jazz ShowsDon plays classical concerts that can be suited to your venue and audience. The performances are educational and fun, with Don talking with the audience and keeping the atmosphere light while playing mostly well-known favorites. He also does small jazz shows in the same vein, usually with a theme and interesting bits of information about the early history of jazz.
Play performance Demos in Player Sarah CombsDon joins Sarah for sophisticated entertainment covering standards, R & B, and pleasant pop tunes. If you want to add a touch of class to your venue, the Sarah Combs Duo will raise the bar. A video Clip is available on the Media Page.
Current Schedule:
FridaysMedia Page Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota6:00-9:00 pm River Strand Golf and Country Club
The UUCS church has a great music program including a choir and professional guest musicians. The services always include solo music interludes and the members have a varied interest in music of all types including classical, jazz, pop, and blues. See the church's website for more information and a list of upcoming services and guest musicians.
UUCS Website Private parties and eventsFor your special event, wedding, or house party, adding live music can improve the ambience. You choose wether you want a formal style with classical music, or more lively and fun with jazz. And if you really want to raise the roof, Don can bring in a great dance band that will keep your guests hopping. Smaller ensembles are also available. Adding a vocalist, a cello, or a string quartet can heighten the mood of any event.
Other clients and venuesBesides playing for recitals at State College of Florida, the Asolo Conservatory's annual Brunetti Workshop, and the Anna Maria Island Concert Choir and Orchestra, Don plays a myriad of events in the area. Click the button for a list of previous clients.
Client List -
Media
Promo Photo Gallery
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Classical Piano Concerts
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Sarah Combs Duo
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Jennifer Leigh & The New Digs
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Contact Page
Contact DonSorry, but it is currently not possible to contact Don through this page.
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Miscellaneous
Travel Maps and PhotographyDon spent many years traveling the globe with his work. His travels took him around the world a couple times, including trips to Asia, Africa, Australia & the South Pacific, and Europe. In addition, he spent much of his free time taking month-long backpacking trips to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Argentina, Australia, Spain, and Portugal. Photography was a strong interest and a bit of a hobbie during this time and has been gradually adding his collection of photos to an interactive map.
To see a map of Don's travels and galleries of his travel photos, click the button below.
Travel & PhotographyGeneologyDon has been compiling his family history, starting with the work of his paternal grandfather and continuing the work when he has time. Using "The next Generation" software, this information is available through a web interface, though it is private and only accessible with a username and password.
If you would like to request access, contact Don and then come back and click on the link below.
Geneology (Private) Other LinksIf you are looking for the link below then you already know what it is and have a username and password. (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW!)
If you don't know what it is then don't even try.
Courses (Private) Charts -
Current Repertoire
China Gates Adams Phrygian Gates Adams Invention 4 in D minor Bach Invention 8 in F Major Bach Invention 10 in G Major Bach Invention 13 in A minor Bach invention 15 in B minor Bach French Suite in E Allemand & Courante Bach Prelude 1 in C Major Bach Prelude No. 1 Bach Solfeggio Bach (CPE) Romanian Dance, Op. 8a Bartok Suite Op. 14 Bartok Für Elise Beethoven Minuet in G Beethoven Sonata in C minor (Pathetique), 2nd Mvmt. Beethoven Sonata in C minor (Pathetique), 3rd mvmt. Beethoven Sonata in C minor (Pathetique), 1st mvmt. Beethoven Sonata in C# minor (Moonlight,) 1st Mvmt. Beethoven Sonata in C# minor (Moonlight), 2nd Mvmt. Beethoven Sonata in C# minor (Moonlight), 3rd Mvmt. Beethoven Sonata in D minor, 3rd mvmt. Beethoven 8 Variations on a Romance by Gretry (Theme, 1,2,4) Beethoven German Dance 1, Woo 13 Beethoven 11 New Bagatelles, #1 Beethoven The Shepherd's Return Bergmüller Lullabye Bergmüller 5 Short Pieces, Op 4, No. 5 Berkeley Rhapsody No. 2 in G minor, Op.79, No.2 Brahms Waltz in E, Op.39, No.3 Brahms Waltz in A, Op.39, No.15 Brahms Rondo Alla Turca Burgmüller Etude in Ab Chopin Etude C# minor, Op.10, No.4 Chopin Etude in Gb Major, Op.10, No.5 Chopin Etude in F minor, Op.10, No.9 Chopin Etude in E Major, Op.10, No.3 Chopin Etude in C minor, Op.10, No,12 (Revolutionary) Chopin Etude in Ab Major (Harp) Chopin Etude in F minor, Op.25, No.2 Chopin Etude in A minor, Op.25, No.11 Chopin Etude in Gb minor, Op.25, No.9 Chopin Waltz in Db Major (Minute) Chopin Fantasie-Impromptu Chopin Mazurka in F Major, Op.7, No.1 Chopin Nocturne in Eb Major, Op.9, No.2 Chopin Polonaise in A Major, Op.40, No.1 Chopin Prelude in E minor, Op.28, No.4 Chopin Prelude in C minor Chopin Mazurka, Op. 67, No.1 Chopin Arabesque No.1 Debussy La Fille suz cheveux de lin (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair) Debussy Jardins sous la pluie (Gardens In The Rain) Debussy Reverie Debussy Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum (On The Steps of Parnassus) Debussy Clair De Lune Debussy Jewish Dance from Raiders Of Happiness Dunaevsky Waltz in Eb Durand Impomptu No.3, Op.34 Faure 3 Preludes, No.3 Gershwin Escenas Poeticas Granados Elfentanz Grieg Ballade Grieg Waltz in A minor Grieg Sonata in D Major (1770-75) Haydn Sonata in C Major (1770-75) Haydn Sonata No.2 Hindemith 15 Characteristic Pieces, No. 2 Hummel Danzarín (Tango) Julian Plaza Nostálgico (tango) Julian Plaza Odessa Sketches Jzuleva Dance from "30 Pieces for Children" Kabalevesky Prelude No. 8 Kabalevsky Prelude No. 21 Kabalevsky The Race Kullak Cristofori's Dream Lanz Malagueña Lecuona Hunting Song, Op.19, No.3 Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, C Major (Tarantella) Mendelssohn Songs With Words, A minor Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Op.102, No.3 Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Op.30, No.4 Mendelssohn Children's Scenes Mompou Sonata in C Major, K545 Mozart Minuet A'la Antique Paderewski Prelude in C minor Pechulski March, Little Soldier Pinto Sonata No.3 Prokofiev Prelude in C# minor Rachmaninoff Valse Miniature Rebikov Le Joyeuse Remeau Flight Of The Bumblebee Rinsky-Korsakoff Serrana from "Tres Danzas de España" Rodrigo Rustica from "Tres Danzas de España" Rodrigo Gymnopodie No.1 Satie Impromptu in Eb, Op.90, No.2 Schubert Scenes From Childhood Schumann Sonata in C Major Spindler Swaying Boughs Streabbog Jack Frost Streabbog The Woodpecker Streabbog
