Stanley McDonald

Stan McDonald joined the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in 2023 and is currently the ensemble’s youngest member after successfully auditioning as Principal Tuba at 19 years of age. Before this, he was a student of the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, where he was undertaking his Bachelor of Music degree under the esteemed tutelage of Thomas Allely (Queensland Symphony Orchestra) and David Cribb (Gewandhaus Orchestra). He has also performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and toured with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Stan’s musical journey began on the trombone at the age of 10, but he soon progressed onto tuba through the local brass bands of Brisbane, a community he is still incredibly connected with to this day. Among the highlights of being a ‘brass bandie’ are competing with some of the country’s top ensembles, including his hometown band Brisbane Excelsior. Through these competitions Stan has won numerous titles, such as the ‘Low Tuba Champion of Australia’ in the open and under-19 divisions, as well as ‘Junior Champion of Champions’ in 2018. He was also a member of the Queensland and Australian Youth Orchestras from 2018 until his appointment with the ASO.

Away from the orchestra, Stan plays bass trombone and sousaphone in the local jazz bands of Brisbane and Adelaide. Truly and unashamedly obsessed with brass instruments, he also works as a brass instrument repairer as a side hustle.