Director Biography

Les McDonald is the Director of Bands at Smith County High School, where he leads the "Pride of the Upper Cumberland" Marching Band. A proud alumnus of both Smith County High School and its band program, McDonald is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped his musical foundation. In 2006, McDonald earned a full music scholarship to Tennessee Technological University, where he completed a Bachelor of Music degree. He later earned a Master of Music in Performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, completed additional graduate courses in Instrumental Pedagogy at Belmont University, and, in May 2024, received an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee Technological University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education at Tennessee State University.

For more than a decade, McDonald has performed professionally throughout the United States as a freelance musician. He has also served as a private music instructor for Metro Nashville Public Schools and has maintained an active career performing in a wide variety of musical settings. As a trumpet performer, McDonald has appeared with ensembles including the Boston Brass, Synergy Brass, the TriStar Brass Ensemble, the Trevecca Symphony Orchestra, the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, and numerous rock music projects throughout Tennessee. In 2025, McDonald was recognized as WKRN Educator of the Week for his dedication to student success and excellence in music education. In 2027, McDonald will serve as a guest presenter at the Tennessee Music Educators Association (TMEA) Professional Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Selected to present among music educators from across the state, he will share innovative teaching strategies and best practices in music education. 

Outside of music, McDonald enjoys spending time with his family. One of his greatest joys is supporting his daughter as she competes on the volleyball court for Smith County Middle School, and he values every opportunity to cheer loudly in the stands.