Public Relations & Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight Don DoBell Volunteer Conductor of the Heartland Senior Band When the Heartland Senior Band’s beloved Jim Selland resigned as conductor due to health problems, he left some big shoes to fill.  Lucky for Heartland, the perfect fit came along in the person of Don DoBell. Don is an Ames native who graduated from Ames High in 1980 and from University of Iowa with a degree in Instrumental Music Education.  He then successfully auditioned as a “saxophone technician” with the Strategic Air Command Band at Offutt Air Base in Omaha and spent the next seven years doing what he loved most, making music for others.   Then suddenly, his career path made a sharp turn when the doctors discovered that Don had an operable brain tumor.  After an extensive but successful operation, Don returned to Ames as a band conductor for St. Cecilia School.  And, thanks to the encouragement of Senior Band flutist, Dolores DoBell, Don agreed to take the helm of the Heartland Senior Band in 2001. Since Don's arrival, the band has grown in membership and musicianship to a rousing nineteen strong.  Don uses his wit, his leadership, and enjoyment of seniors to create a fun but professional atmosphere during Monday rehearsals at Heartland and their many concerts throughout the county.  The band plays for nursing homes, parades, elementary schools, Heartland’s Night at the Bandshell, and most recently in Heartland’s 10th Annual Variety Show.  It was the band’s solid background of toe-tapping music that helped make the show a resounding success once again! Don says he feels very honored to conduct the Senior Band.  “I am working with people who have 50, 60 years experience.  It is a lot of fun to see that love of music continue,” he explains.  “And it gives me a chance to stay involved in music in yet another way.”  We would be amiss not to mention that Don is always looking for more members to join the band rehearsals on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. at 205 S. Walnut.  “I know there are many people out there who used to play.  It just takes a little practice to get back into the swing again,” he encourages.  “We really would like to keep increasing our membership and involvement in the community.”  In addition to band music, Don enjoys classical music and jazz.  His other hobbies include traveling and collecting bookends. Don, thank you so much for filling a very important volunteer position at Heartland.  The Heartland Senior Band members are tremendous musical ambassadors for the agency and prime examples of how people just get better with age!  Thanks, Don, for being the very special person who allows that to happen!