Biography
Woodwind specialist Hunter McDonald (he/him) has enjoyed a thrilling career as both a performer and an educator in the Nashville area. He has performed in ensembles under the baton of renowned conductors such as Victoria Gau (National Philharmonic, formerly), and Col. Timothy Holtan (Maryland Winds). In addition, he has also appeared on sample recordings of compositions by the prolific wind band composer Brian Balmages, Grammy-nominated composer Jonathan Leshnoff. Other recording credits include the trailer for EA Sports College Football 25 and the LAFCI Studio Intensive at Warner Bros. Studios. As an undergraduate performed as the concertmaster for the Towson University (MD) Wind Ensemble and principal clarinetist for the Towson University Symphony Orchestra. After winning the 2022 Towson University Concerto Competition, he had the honor to perform as a soloist with the TU Wind Ensemble.
A passionate educator, Hunter maintains an active studio where his students have earned Superior rankings in Solo & Ensemble Performance Assessment, and earned positions in the MTSBOA Mid State band, Tennessee All State band, and the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, a three week summer intensive for rising high school juniors and seniors. Additionally, Hunter has co-hosted multiple online masterclasses teaching how to prepare for undergraduate music auditions, and how to double on multiple woodwinds.
In addition to his work as a woodwind specialist and teacher, Hunter also serves on the board of directors for Wildwood Summer Theatre since 2016. He is currently a tenured member, but previously served as the pit orchestra representative for five seasons.
An avid fan of musical theater, Hunter combines his love of musicals with his love of performing on multiple woodwinds by specializing in musical theater pit orchestras. Since discovering his place was not on the stage, but below it, Hunter has performed in countless productions througout Maryland, Virginia, DC, and Middle Tennessee.
by Madeline McLinden
Transplant from Germantown, MD, Hunter currently resides in Murfreesboro, TN. He earned his Master of Music in Multiple Woodwind Performance from Middle Tennessee State University, where he studied with the esteemed woodwind faculty including Dr. Todd Waldecker (clarinet), Dr. Deanna Little (flute), Dr. Keith Sorrels (oboe), and Don Aliquo (saxophone). He holds a Bachelor of Music in clarinet performance from Towson University where he studied with Dr. Lynda Dembowski (US Naval Academy Band, principal), and Dr. Erik Franklin. Hunter holds membership to Kappa Kappa Psi, national band fraternity. In his free time, Hunter enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and binge watching shows on Netflix.