Meet the Teacher
DON CHILTON is a retired Navy Musician with over 40 years experience as a professional musician. While in the U.S. Navy Music Program, he traveled extensively world-wide serving as a trumpeter, vocalist, band leader, conductor, drum major, and administrator. He earned his BA in Music from Thomas Edison State College while serving in the Navy. As a Navy musician, he worked with numerous public and private school band programs to provide concerts and clinics.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Don completed his teacher certification at the University of Rhode Island and is currently the band director and general music teacher at Thompson Middle School in Newport, Rhode Island. Don has become known for his playing of various seashell horns. Don Chilton can be heard as a soloist playing his conch shells throughout the soundtrack of Reese Witherspoon's production of Where the Crawdads Sing composed by Oscar and Golden Globe winner, Mychael Danna. His original music and arrangements can be heard on Spotify, YouTube Video, Apple Music and other streaming platforms worldwide.
Don’s love for music has led him to a strong desire to teach music and to share his passion with students of all ages. See the following links for more information about Mr. Chilton.
