John McDonald

John McDonald is a conductor, educator, and innovator in the choral arts. He serves as the Director of Choirs and Vocal Studies at Washington University in St. Louis and conducts Cantus, the tenor-bass ensemble of the St. Louis Children’s Choirs. In 2023, he founded Continuum Vocal Ensemble, a professional choir dedicated to presenting innovative repertoire in unconventional venues across St. Louis building a community of supporters. Under his leadership, Continuum has quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional artistry, compelling programming, and immersive concert experiences, performing in distinctive spaces such as the 21c Museum Hotel, St. Louis Artists’ Guild Gallery, and the St. Louis Art Museum. 

A recognized leader in the choral community, John serves as Chair of the Communication and Education Committee for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and sits on the National Board of the National Collegiate Choral Organization. In 2023, he was selected as one of six conductors to represent ACDA in the International Conductors Exchange Program with Germany. A sought-after guest conductor and clinician, he has led workshops and masterclasses across the United States and Europe, inspiring the next generation of choral musicians. 

John holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, East Carolina University, and Middle Tennessee State University.