Brian McKenzie
Alchemy Independent Snare Technician & Audio Engineer
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Brian McKenzie is a freelance musician, composer, audio engineer, and producer located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Brian studied at the Hayes School of Music located within Appalachian State University, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance (with a concentration in Percussion), a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies (with a concentration in Recording & Production), a minor in General Business, and a certificate in Jazz Studies. While at the Hayes School of Music, Brian was fortunate enough to perform with many different ensembles including the Marching Mountaineers, Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, Appalachian Wind Ensemble, Steely Pan Steel Band, Appalachian Tabla Ensemble, Jazz I and II Big Bands, Appalachian Percussion Ensemble, and various other chamber ensembles. He was a member of Wake Forest Independent, and served as battery captain for Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, before going on to be an instructor there. Some of his main musical mentors have been Rob Falvo, Byron Hedgepeth, Rick Dilling, Justin Mabry, Jonathan Pratt, and Justin Belcher.
As an engineer and producer, Brian has worked on many projects in both studio recording, and live audio settings. He has also worked on audio/video productions for short films and video games. Recently, Brian was on tour with the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, where he worked as an audio engineer/system tech, and was the live mix engineer for their 2017 production. Brian enjoys working in a variety of styles, and finds that expanding your musical palette is good for the mind, body and soul.
As an educator, Brian has worked with many independent and scholastic groups through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas as a percussion specialist, visual instructor, music arranger, and audio engineer. His primary focus is on approaching music and the marching arts from a holistic perspective, and advocates the same for his students. Brian currently serves as Director of Percussion at West Forsyth High School, where he works with the marching band, concert bands, and jazz bands.
Aside from his love of music, Brian spends a lot of time with his girlfriend, Kaitlyn, and their Siberian Husky, Dojgh. Their favorite things to do are go for walks around the lake, and play around the house. Together, they hope to someday start a traveling jazztronica band with Dojgh as the front man.