Former Nova High grad Douglas McDonald’s star shines brightly at Florida Gulf Coast University

Former Nova High grad Douglas McDonald’s star shines brightly at Florida Gulf Coast University

FGCU student Douglas McDonald plans to serve the community and impact the world

By Staff Writer

Saxophonist, keyboardist and aspiring music producer Douglas McDonald began to show interest in music at a young age. He started taking piano lessons at the All County School of Music of Fort Lauderdale at age eight. His passion for the piano faded temporarily in middle school, when he picked up the saxophone. In high school, his desire to play piano and keyboard and his passion for the saxophone merged. It wasn’t long before he was placed as first chair in his high school band. From first chair, he excelled to the position of drum major. After his band director was involved in a serious car accident, Douglas became the instructor for the class and earned high recognition from his fellow band mates. He also was a recipient of the John Philip Souza Award and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award while attending high school.

After high school, Douglas ventured north to Estero, Fla., to attend Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). After an impromptu audition for the Bower School of Music, he received a scholarship from Dr. Rod R. Chestnut. In fall 2009, Douglas enrolled full-time at FGCU and quickly became the music director of the university’s first gospel group, Voices of Inspiration and Praise.

He currently serves as the full-time musician and assistant music director at The OutPour Church Inter-national under the leadership of Apostle David and Prophetess April Johnson-Bynes. He has shared the stage in ministering and performance with world-class musicians and gospel artists such as Tye Tribbett, April Johnson-Bynes, Ear-nest Pugh, Papa San, and Dou-glas Bramwell & Endless Praise and many others. He also has been an understudy of Randy Corinthian in various forms of jazz and gospel, and of Mario Bernardo in classical saxophone. Douglas gained much of his musical inspiration from artists such as Duke Ellington, Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright.

Outside of music, Douglas has gained experience in programming, administration and event planning through work as a volunteer with local non-profit organizations and a part-time employee. He also has experience in entertainment, providing his services for youth through summer camps, community events and campus activities. Douglas’ mission is to share a message of hope and inspiration through his music.

As a minister and leader, he understands excellence and seeks to deliver that message through every performance and project. He plans to continue his education, serve his community and impact the world.