Bio and Credits

Grammy nominated and Emmy winning composer/arranger Chris McDonald has been a fixture in Nashville’s recording scene for over 40 years. After moving to Nashville as a trombonist in 1982, he soon became the “go to” arranger for pop brass. Before long he was being called for string and orchestral writing, as well as for big band, both for artists as well as his own group. The Chris McDonald Jazz Orchestra will soon release it’s 9th studio recording.

Artists he has arranged for include Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Amy Grant, Kirk Franklin, Willie Nelson,Sara Evans, Ricardo Arjona, Luis Fonsi and scores of others. His arrangements have been recorded by orchestras all over the world, and heard literally by billions.

With thousands of recording sessions to his credit and having produced dozens of records, his stylistic versatility while retaining a unique voice consistently adds to every project he undertakes.

A list of Chris’ Artist Album credits is available here.

Film Orchestration Credits

“AN UNFINISHED LIFE” (Jennifer Lopez/Robert Redford/Morgan Freeman)

“ALL THE PRETTY HORSES” (Matt Damon/Penelope Cruz)-Golden Globe nominee- Best original score

“THE WOMAN AT JACOB’S WELL”

“HORTON HEARS A WHO” (theatrical trailer)

“SEABISCUIT” (additional music)

“REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES” (additional music)

“FUN WITH DICK AND JANE” (additional music)

“SIOUX CITY” (Lou Diamond Phillips)

“ERNEST/ SCARED STUPID”

“ERNEST RIDES AGAIN”

“ERNEST GOES TO SCHOOL”

Commercial and TV Music

Chris’ compositions and arrangements can be heard in music for:

SEAWORLD US (2024) composer/arranger Sea Lion and Otter Show

TOKYO DISNEYLAND(2024) orchestrator “Fantasy Springs”

DISNEYLAND PARIS(2024) orchestrator ”Hub Show”

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND (2024) orchestrator “Duffy Spring Show”

DISNEYLAND PARIS (2023) orchestrator “Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure”

DIABLO IV (2023) orchestrator (string quintets)

SEAWORLD ABU DHABI (2023) orchestrator, music for entire park

DISNEY CRUISE LINES (2023) orchestrator for 25th Anniversary Fireworks Show

DISNEYLAND PARIS (2022) orchestrator for 30th Anniversary Hub Show

SEAWORLD ORLANDO (2021) Composer/orchestrator for Sea Lion/Otter show

A CAPITOL FOURTH (National Symphony Orchestra on PBS (2022,2016,2015,2013,2012)

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (2019) Opening production number with Trisha Yearwood, Finale w/ cast

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (2018) Opening production number with Reba McEntire

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (2017) Dustin Lynch

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (2016) Opening production number with Jennifer Nettles

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (2015) Opening production number with Jennifer Nettles and Pentatonix

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (2013) Opening production number with Kellie Pickler

DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS (2017) arranger/orchestrator for Hollywood Boulevard background music.

SEAWORLD ORLANDO (2017) Composer/orchestrator for “POP” featuring Fan Yang

SEAWORLD ORLANDO (2017) Orchestrator for fireworks show

YOU SHOULD DREAM-THE TEXAS TENORS (2014) PBS-Emmy Award to Chris for composing/arranging

JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB (The History Channel)

MISS TENNESSEE PAGEANT (1970-2019) Music Director, Arranger


WILD ON THE RIVIERA
E NEWS LIVE
NISSAN
CHEVROLET
BUICK
LA LAKERS
ABC COLLEGE FOOTBALL
SIX FLAGS
OHIO LOTTERY
BUSCH NATURAL LITE
ALLSTATE
HARDEES
AUDI
DOMINOES
K-MART
DODGE
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
PURINA
DETROIT TIGERS
NBC ’93
LA RAIDERS
KROGER
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
REGIS & KELLY
’92 OLYMPICS (CLOSING CEREMONY)
MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIM
THE HISTORY CHANNEL
THIRD NATIONAL BANK
REGIONS BANK
TENNESSEE PRIDE
PAPA JOHNS
CNN/TALK BACK LIVE
PIGEON FORGE
POPEYE’S CHICKEN
CLEVELAND BROWNS
CNN/HEADLINE NEWS
ESPN CLASSIC
THE PAMPERED CHEF
WGN/CUBS
SUBWAY

Testimonials

  • I have worked with Chris McDonald for 29 years! In that time I’ve worked with him as a coworker in the brass section, as an arranger, producer and composer. He has had a strong positive influence on my playing in becoming a versatile player both classically and commercially. There’s simply nothing that is beyond Chris’s scope when it comes to arranging. Whatever is appropriate for the track, he makes it happen! I’ve heard and experienced this with countless sessions. If you work with him, trust me, you’ll be grinning ear to ear with the final product!

    Steve Patrick
    First call studio trumpet player

  • As a composer and arranger, Chris is a unique and much valued voice in American music - particularly in the world of Big Band Jazz. But Chris’ skill set goes so far beyond that; there is no role in music production he has not done to the highest possible level (producer, session musician, arranger, orchestrator, copyist), no genre he can not learn to work in with authenticity. As a fan, a partner and a friend I can honestly say that he makes every project better than you ever thought possible.

    Dan Rudin
    Grammy winning recording engineer.

  • Chris and I have worked together for 30 plus years.. He is my go-to for all things brass!! He arranges the way I hear things in my head, his natural instincts are the best. It is an absolute honor to work with such a consummate pro.

    Jay DeMarcus
    Grammy winning musician/producer. President Red Street Records, and former member Rascal Flatts

  • In the genius of the arranging world, Chris McDonald has a seat front and center at that table! It doesn’t matter the style, vibe, groove, or genre - be it orchestral, jazz, commercial, pop, global, etc...Chris brings an authenticity to everything he does that is staggeringly beautiful and full of positive consequence. He’s the man!

    Jeff Coffin
    Grammy winning musician, composer, author and educator. Saxophonist with the Dave Mathews Band

  • Chris is one of the very best, most talented, versatile and sensible artist and string arrangers in the world . He has a special ability to understand how melodies, the sound of the string orchestra and the feelings of the music heart work all together. He can work with a simple idea and develop it into a soul touching masterpiece arrangement. He really understands and masters music like very few people can. On top of that, Chris level of professionalism, reliability and session management is the very best you can get. Everyone loves and respects working with him. Working with Chris McDonald is hands down one of the biggest highlights of my music production careers. I am forever grateful for the amazing music we have been able to do together.

    Juan Delgado
    Latin Grammy awarded Recording Artist & Music Producer
    Music Business Executive