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Don Hayes was born in Galveston, Texas august 21, 1915, during the 1915 hurricane. His family later moved to Fort Worth, where at the age of 12, Don acquired a clarinet to begin his musical career. In high school he became a member of the ROTC band, as well as the high school orchestra.

Don received his Bachelor of Music degree from Texas Christian University in 1938 and his Master of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University in 1951. He began his band directing career at Belton, Texas and in 1941 he accepted the position of band/orchestra director at Sherman High School. After serving 3 years in the military during World War II, Don accepted the position as band director with the Littlefield public schools in 1946. By 1953, there were approximately 350 students enrolled in various phases of instrumental instruction. The Littlefield High School Band earned four UIL Sweepstakes awards from 1946 to 1953, in addition to being selected to participate in the Dallas Fair Parade and Field activities. Other honors included 1st Place in class in the Lubbock Fair Parade for four years straight, and 1st Place in the Brownfield Harvest Festival Parade.

In June, 1953, Don accepted the position of band and orchestra director with the Austin ISD, at what was then Austin High School. He resigned in 1955 to enter the life insurance business, but this was not satisfactory. In June, 1960, he was asked to return to Littlefield to take back his previous position in the schools. He remained in Littlefield until 1967. During this time, the band continued to maintain its high standards. In 1965, the band rated in the top five in class AAA in honor band tryouts.

In June, 1967, Don accepted a band and orchestra position with the San Angelo ISD at Edison Junior High where he remained until he retired. He served on the Summer Band Camp faculty at Texas Tech University from 1949 to 1953, teaching woodwinds and music theory. Don is currently on the teaching staff at Angelo State University Summer Band Camp and has been since its inception. Prior to retirement, Don was an active clinician and adjudicator.

In 1950, he served on the UIL Music Selection Committee, was Region Band Chairman for Region I (now Region XVI), and was organizer of the TMEA All-State Band. He also served as President of the Phi Beta Mu, Alpha Chapter in 1953-1954. Don Hayes is now enjoying retirement in San Angelo, Texas, but he does love to find a place where the fish bite and he can through out that hook and line.