Mr. McDonald grew up in Rossville, GA, where he graduated from Gordon Lee High School in historic Chickamauga, GA. Following High School, he received a full scholarship to attend Jacksonville State University where he majored in Music Education. During undergradute studies, he was a member of many diverse performing ensembles, including: Symphonic Band, Chamber Winds, Brass Quintet, Trumpet Ensemble, the JSU Orchestra,  HARDCORPS: The JSU Pep Band, and was Trumpet Section Leader and Soloist for the internationally acclaimed JSU Marching Southerners. 

Following undergradute studies, Mr. McDonald stayed at JSU to pursue a Masters degree in Music Education. During this time, he worked as a Teaching Assistant under Dr. Kenneth Bodiford, Director of Bands at JSU. Mr. McDonald spent time conducting the Symphonic Band, assisting with all of the University Band programs, and arranging/composing music for several University sponsored ensembles. In Spring of 2022, he was a member of the National Quarterfinalist JSU Trumpet Ensemble, as they were selected to perform in Delaware for the National Trumpet Competition.

Mr. McDonald is happily married to his high school sweetheart and the absolute best MarioKart, SuperSmash Bros., and Fortnite player ever, Autumn. 

Outside of music and teaching, Mr. McDonald is a sports fanatic. He enjoys watching (and stressing over) the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks, Tennessee Volunteers (ROCKY TOP), the Tennessee Titans, and the 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.  

Mr. McDonald is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, NAfME, and GMEA. 

"I am so blessed to be able to work for all of our students at Coosa High School! 

Go Eagles and FEAR THE BEAK!"