Lorna began playing the trombone aged 10 whilst at school in Paisley, near Glasgow. In 1990 she commenced studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under the tutelage of the late Ian Murray, Chris Stearn, Lance Green and Sue Addison, graduating in 1996 with Master of Music and Bachelor of Art degrees.

During her time at the RSAMD, Lorna developed a keen interest in Chamber Music and Early Music, twice winning the Governors Recital Prize for Chamber Music on both bass trombone and bass sackbut. It was whilst at college that she became a founder member of Worldbrass, a German based 10 piece brass ensemble and of His Ain Draucht Trumpets along with trombonist John Kenny.

Now enjoying a varied freelance career in London, she has played in orchestras ranging from the BBC Symphony to Syd Lawrence and the Sound of Music, appeared alongside jazz and pop musicians including Claire Martin, Monty Alexander, Bobby McFerrin and Bjork and made numerous recordings, from orchestral music to free jazz with Tom Bancroft, folk music with Eliza Carthy and world music with Nitin Sawhney.

When she isn't playing the trombone she enjoys film, haute cusine, fine wine and serenading her neighbours during tuba practice.

Lorna's Equipment:

Bass Trombone:

1969 Conn Elkhart 60H
Greenhoe Independent Bb/F/Gb/D Valve Section
Greg Black Custom 2G

Tenor Trombone:

Conn 88H

                                Becky Smith   Jayne Murrill   Helen Vollam   Lorna McDonald