Dr. Rich MacDonald
Percussionist Rich MacDonald – a native of Port Huron, Michigan – was influenced by Motown and rock music emanating from Detroit in the 1960’s. While attending college at the University of North Texas in the late 1970’s, MacDonald was introduced to the jazz world through performance and historical tradition. He continues that thread today as a drummer and vibraphonist, performing at venues in the tri-state region of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He also spent 25 years as the principal percussionist in the La Crosse (WI) Symphony Orchestra.
As an educator, Dr. MacDonald has presented clinics throughout the U.S. and Canada. He endorses Sabian cymbals and Vic Firth sticks and mallets, serving on their respective education teams. Dr. MacDonald earned his Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Jazz Studies and his Master of Music (MME) in Music Education from the University of North Texas. His Doctorate (DA) is in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. MacDonald is Professor Emeritus from Winona State University, where he served as director of jazz and percussion studies from 1996 to 2020.
Dr. MacDonald has extensive performance and recording credits including: George Benson, Evan Christopher, Eddie Daniels, Wycliffe Gordon, Slide Hampton, Milt Hinton, JazzMN Orchestra, Delfeayo Marsalis, Rob Parton, Arturo Sandoval, Lonnie Smith, Mike Stern, Bobby Shew, Byron Stripling, and many others.
