About Josh McDonald

is currently based in the Hampton Roads Area. He was the Coordinator of the Jazz Ensembles at Boston University, where he directed the BU Big Band, several jazz combos, and the Jazz Chamber Lab. He also taught courses in jazz history focusing on race and the #BAM movement. He is a member of NAfME, KKPsi, and Music Performance and Education, Inc. 

Josh has performed all over the country, including at Somethin’ (NYC), Fenway Park (Boston), Bank of American Pavilion (Boston), House of Blues (Boston), Steamers (Los Angeles), the Jazz Station (Eugene, OR), and the Institute of Contemporary Art. His big band compositions have been performed by Boston University Big Band, Fresno City College Big Band, the College of Holy Cross Big Band, the Old Dominion University Big Band, and the Nipomo High School Big Band. His small group compositions have been performed in the US, Singapore, and Germany.

He has performed with a host of jazz greats, including Wayne Bergeron, Brian Blade, Conrad Herwig, Ryan Keberle, Geoff Keezer, Kevin Mahogany, Andy Martin, Christian McBride, Dick Oatts, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Houston Person, Carl Saunders, Ed Shaughnessy, Bobby Shew, Rick Stone, Katie Thiroux, Anthony Wilson, and Gerald Wilson. He’s also performed with Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, soul singer Lou Pride, and rock group Foster the People. His recent chapter on Spider-Man and theology is available now.