Donald Clayton Whitehead

I'm happy to add a second entry in memory of Don Whitehead. I'm now 86 years old, and have been retired for 24 years from a career in music. Don was one of the people who encouraged me to pursue music as a career, and I continue to be grateful for the sincere interest he had in my life and future. I think of him often, and miss him. I'm certain many others feel the same way. [email protected]

What can one say about Mr. Whitehead. A fine musician, a teacher's teacher, a teacher of students. As a new freshman at Placer in 1961, I played french horn in Advanced Band with a long term goal of making the Golden Hillmen Band (GHB). Mr. Whitehead gave me that goal mid-year 1961. A wonderful experience. At the close of that school year, he asked me if I would become the Drum Major of the GHB. At 6 feet 1 inch, I didn't think I was tall enough. With his support and backing, an 18 inch tall hat, baton and whistle took care of that.

Thank you Mr. Whitehead for improving my music skills and teaching me lifelong skills of discipline, leadership and effective communication.

Best wishes to his family. And a special "Hats Off" to a great man.

Dave Hawke
PUHS 1964

I was very lucky to have Mr. Whitehead as my Advanced Band and Golden Hillman Band instructor from 1962-1966. But it didn't end there. In the spring of 1966, Mr. Whitehead announced that he had accepted the music instructor position at Sierra College and would begin there in September, 1966. So, since I also transferred to Sierra after graduation from Placer, I was really blessed to enjoy him for another two years before I headed off to Humboldt State College. Mr. Whitehead was a fantastic music teacher and a very passionate leader. He was also a kind and compassionate individual whom I regard as my finest teacher ever. In addition to band concerts and parades, we also marched at the all the home football games and we even made several record albums. What fun and meaningful years thanks to such a wonderful man. We all miss you but will think of you often, Mr. Whitehead, because of our many wonderful memories of your leadership and kindness. Thanks for everything!

My condolences to the family and friends of Don Whitehead. I was a member of his Hillman band (PUHS 54-58), and even one of the pranksters that targeted his beloved VW Beetle. Through it all he kept his sense of humor and great relationship with his students. That is why he is remembered as one of Placer's favorite teachers. RIP, Mr. Whitehead.

I was in the Sierra College marching band (67-68). I played drums and spent a lot of time in one of the music building's practice rooms--especially practicing one of Mr. Whitehead's own compositions. He often came in to help me as it was a rather complex arrangement he had composed. He had such patience and I really appreciated his help. I am really sorry to find out about his passing. I see that my very musical cousin, Dennis Woodrich, was also influenced by Mr. Whitehead. Somewhere in my stack of dusty tapes, I have a tape I recorded of a Sierra College Christmas program Mr. Whitehead conducted us through from either '67 or '68 and Lynn, if I am correct, you were in that band, too. Your dad, our conductor, was wonderful! My condolences to you, your sister, and your families.

WHAT A GREAT TEACHER AND PERSON MR. WHITEHEAD WAS.I WAS IN THE GOLDEN HILLMAN BAND(CIRCA 1959)AND BECAUSE OF HIM THE BAND BECAME A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR AUBURN.HE ALSO HAD A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR WHEN DEALING WITH TEENAGE BOYS. NEVER EVEN GOT ANGRY WHEN WE PICKED UP HIS VOLKSWAGEN AND PLACED IT IN THE MUSIC BUILDING HALL.
WHAT WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF A FINE TEACHER

I first met Don around 1948 (?). At that time he led the Colfax Elementary School orchestra. I was in the seventh grade, and played violin in the orchestra. When I was a sophomore at Placer High, Don became the band director. Over the next three years, I played trombone in the band under his direction, and also played the trombone and piano in the high school and Sierra College jazz bands. I played piano in the pit orchestra for a production of the musical, Roberta. Don played trumpet, and Ardis was the concert master. I participated in many other musical performances with Don. When I was about to leave for the Eastman School of Music(1954), the Whiteheads had a little party for me at their house. Over the years since leaving Placer High (1954), I kept touch with Don off and on. I remember him as a wonderful, kind and talented leader and friend.

Ted Mann

It didn't get any better at Placer High School than to be a member of the Golden Hillmen Band under the expert direction and tutelage of Mr Whitehead. Whether in marching or concert mode, he brought out the best in his students and there was so much pride in our achievements and in him as our instructor/ mentor. We learned so much about music, leadership,work ethic, and the ability to work as a team. Everyone was motivated to practice, persevere to achieve excellence so as not to miss a note/beat that would let the band or Mr Whitehead down during a performance. I feel so fortunate to have known and had the influence of this wonderful man in my life.

Mr. Whitehead was my band director at Sierra College from 1975-1984. The interesting thing was the Monday night symphonic band had so many people who kept coming back year after year because they enjoyed it and didn't bother to enroll. One year Don told us we better go enroll in his class or they would cancel it. He was a wonderful teacher. I met my husband Dave in Sierra College band and there were several other couples in that band as well. When the pep band played at the football games he picked a different college fight song each week for us to play. I always wondered what the football team thought of that. I have many fond memories of him and send his family my condolences.

I always enjoyed music with Mr. Whitehead.

Loved Mr Whitehead as band and orchestra leader 1960-1963--especially Golden Hillman marching band and the formations we made. Also the Congregational Church youth and high school choir. He was a wonderful man!
Interesting obituary--so much in his musical history we students never knew.

What a wonderful and talented man, my memories as a Majorette in the Golden Hillman Band under his leadership will never be forgotten. My condolences to Lynn and Leslie.

The Golden Hillmen Band under Don Whitehead's leadership was the pride of Place High School. He always has a smile for everyone. What a life he lived! Thank you, Mr. Whitehead, the memories will live forever.

Condolences to the family and ongoing gratitude to a perfect teacher and a wonderful man. Mr. Whitehead has been a guiding influence since PUHS/1953-57.