Donald J. De Bruin

Donald J. De Bruin is our Director of Music Ministries. He directs our adult and youth vocal choirs, our adult and youth handbell choirs and the church’s musicals, all of which are open to the congregation to participate in.

Don got his first professional, paid job as an organist when he was nine, playing Christmas carols for civic functions in his New Jersey hometown. He began studying classical organ literature when he was 16.

Don owns a retired greyhound, Spirit, who probably eats a little better than Don does; Don admits to making a “mean Lean Cuisine.” Don’s favorite book was Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe; he loved the way that Robinson created his own world from the flotsam and jetsam of life. Speaking of flotsam, Don would much rather lose what’s on his computer than what’s in his wallet, remarking his wallet contains difficult to replace things.

Don is active in Madison’s musical culture. He has played with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, numerous appearances with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra including one as featured soloist, the Madison Youth Choirs, the Madison Area Concert Handbell Choir (MACH), and is a founding member of Con Vivo, a chamber music ensemble. In addition, he played the Klais Organ in Overture Hall as part of the grand opening festivities.

E-mail Don.