Marshall McDonald is an accomplished musician and seasoned performer. He started clarinet at age nine, later began studying jazz and saxophone at the University of Pittsburgh, and continued his studies in New York City with Miles Davis alumnus, George Coleman.
Marshall began his tenure with The Count Basie Orchestra under saxophonist Danny Turner in 1994 and now plays Lead Alto Saxophone in the Basie Band.  He has performed concerts and jazz festivals worldwide as an orchestra regular.
Marshall’s unique ability to play all saxophones, clarinet, and flute has led to recordings and world tours with The Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Paquito D’Rivera and The United Nation Orchestra, Frank Foster and The Loud Minority Big Band, The Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Orchestra, The Illinois Jacquet Big Band, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Charli Persip and Supersound.
Marshall has performed with The Bobby Caldwell Orchestra as the opening act for Vanessa Williams and in Broadway shows including "Jelly’s Last Jam," the 1998 production of "Streetcorner Symphony," and on stage in the 1999 musical "Kat and the Kings."
He also has played behind numerous name performers including Stephanie Mills, Aretha Franklin, Melba Moore, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Johnny Mathis, Frankie Avalon, The Dells, and Manhattan Transfer.