School of Music

Donavon Gray has developed the APU instrumental program to include two wind ensembles, a marching band, a handbell choir, and 12 chamber groups. Prior to his work at Azusa Pacific University, he taught at Biola University and Cerritos College, and served as director of bands at Valley Christian Schools in Cerritos, California. Gray has been a guest conductor, lecturer, and clinician throughout the United States, and is currently minister of music at Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Bellflower, California. He freelances as a professional trumpet player. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dordt College, a Master of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa, and Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Southern California (USC).

Gray has been a part of the APU community since 1991. In addition to directing winds, brass, and percussion studies, he directs the Wind Ensemble, Handbell Choir, and University musicals, and teaches Instrumental Conducting and graduate Music Education.