Bio

Jibreel McDonald is a young and upcoming saxophonist/woodwind specialist, composer/arranger, and educator who is recognized for his aspiring work with many professional and local musicians.  Jibreel was born and raised in Wilmington, NC where he started playing the saxophone at 5 years old. He then learnt more musical instruments throughout his childhood which includes piano, guitar, clarinet, and drums.

 

Jibreel continued his musical studies at North Carolina Central University, where he received his Bachelor's in Instrument Performance in 2024. During his tenure in his bachelor's degree, he began his education and composing/arranging expertise. After receiving his bachelor's, he returned to NCCU where he received his Master's degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration in Jazz Composition & Arranging in 2026. Throughout his full student tenure at NCCU, he was a graduate teaching assistant, tutor, composer/arranger, and performer who studied under Arnold George, Dr. Lenora Helm-Hammonds, Dr. Brian Horton, Branford Marsalis, Joey Caldarezzo, Robert Trowers, and many other prolific musicians and educators.  

 

Jibreel's compositions and arrangements received national recognition at many jazz festivals & competitions. This includes the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship at Lincoln Center in New York for his big band arrangement, Star Eyes, which won Honorable Mention-Big Band Arrangement. His octet arrangement of Big Nick, was also featured at Lincoln Center in the 2026 Jazz Combo Showcase. His octet composition, Diversion, was featured at the 2025 Monterey Jazz Festival.  

 

Throughout Jibreel's musical career, he has the pleasure of playing with many proclaimed musicians and bands including Branford Marsalis, Joe Chambers and The M-Boom Ensemble, Christian McBride, Camille Thurman, Vincent Herring, Nasheet Watts' Trio WeUp ReUp, Tia Fuller, and Antonio Hart.  Jibreel is now continuing his work as well-versed professional musician, composer/arranger, and music educator. ​