Ben MacDonald

Applied Instructor
Saxophone
[email protected]

Ben MacDonald serves as the Yamaha Higher Education Solutions District Manager of the East Central Region. In this role, he works closely with institutions, representing Yamaha across all various instrument channels to provide resources, expertise, and cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing the learning experience for both students and faculty.

MacDonald is a recognized performing saxophonist known for his innovative and collaborative approach to music. With a career spanning both the United States and Europe, he has presented concerts in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Croatian National Theatre. MacDonald has performed at various conferences, including the North American Saxophone Alliance Regional and National Conferences, College Band Directors National Association National Conference, International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest, and the Music Teacher’s National Association National Conference.

Throughout his career, MacDonald has garnered recognition and awards in esteemed solo competitions, including the Patricia Nixon Woodwind Competition and the Music Teacher’s National Association Young Artist Solo Competition. Notably, his first-place prize in the 2018 Central Michigan University School of Music Concerto Competition earned him the privilege of performing as a soloist with the Central Michigan University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. José-Luis Maurtua.

As a passionate advocate for contemporary music, MacDonald has premiered compositions by 24 different composers, collaborating with names such as David Maslanka, Roger Zare, Christopher E. Hass, Jenni Watson, and Kevin Day. He has also collaborated with the Millennium Composers Initiative to present concerts featuring world premieres written for saxophone quartet and duo. MacDonald values the artistic dialogue with composers, cultivating relationships that lead to the creation of exceptional musical works.

MacDonald is a founding member of the Zenith Saxophone Quartet, a dynamic chamber ensemble that focuses on elevating chamber music performance through memorization and artistic staging. Zenith has achieved notable success in various chamber music competitions, including winning first place in the state and regional levels of the 2018 Music Teacher’s National Association Chamber Music Competition and securing second place at the national level. Their debut album, "Convergence," released in January 2021, showcases seven original works composed for the Zenith Saxophone Quartet and the Zen Duo.

Beyond his frequent performances and contributions to new music, MacDonald is actively engaged in academic research. He has presented his research at various national-level conferences and recently published a manuscript titled "Improving the Quality of Saxophone Quartet Rehearsals: Interviews with Members of Kenari, h2, Sinta, and Fuego Quartets." This publication offers practical insights and exercises for enhancing quartet rehearsals and performances, enriching the saxophone quartet repertoire. The manuscript can be found in the North American Saxophone Alliance Saxophone Symposium, Volume 44, Fall 2022.

Additionally, MacDonald is an accomplished arts administrator, having worked on the administrative team for Madeline Island Chamber Music, a prestigious summer chamber music festival. The rotating faculty includes ensembles such as the American, Jupiter, Arianna String Quartets, and the Prairie Winds. Additionally, he prior served as the Program Manager for SOUNDS Academy, a nonprofit music education organization based in Phoenix, Ariz. SOUNDS Academy is dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and providing musical experiences to children in underserved communities, reaching thousands of students annually.

MacDonald holds degrees from Central Michigan University (B.M.E.), the University of Oklahoma (M.M.), and Arizona State University (D.M.A.), having studied under renowned teachers John Nichol, Jonathan Nichol, Christopher Creviston, and Jay Wilkinson.