Michael McDonald

A native of Meadville PA, clarinetist and educator Michael McDonald served as principal clarinetist with the U.S. Navy Band from 1996-2015 and as section and E flat clarinetist from 1986-1996 where he led the clarinet section in performances at the White House, national concert tours and for visiting dignitaries from around the globe.  Mr. McDonald has performed over 3,000 concerts and ceremonies in the contiguous 48 states as well as Canada, Norway and Russia.  An active musician and educator in the Washington DC area, he has performed with a variety of musical organizations including the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and the Annapolis, Alexandria, Fairfax and Savannah Symphony Orchestras.  He served on the faculty of Suitland High School’s Magnate School for the Arts and has taught privately throughout the DC metropolitan area.   Prior to joining the band in 1986, he attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY where he received a BM degree in music performance.   In his free time, Mike enjoys home improvement projects, running, weight training, reading and spending time with his wife, Ruth and dog, Charlotte.