The Music of J. Scott McKenzie
Composer, Arranger, Conductor
Biography
J. Scott McKenzie is a composer, arranger, and conductor serving as a band officer at the United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own" in Washington, DC, where he is conductor of the U. S. Army Chorus.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Virginia Tech in 1994. After graduating, he taught chorus, band, and general music at the middle school level for four years. While teaching, he continued his studies in music education and conducting at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. In the fall of 1999, Mr. McKenzie enlisted in the U. S. Army as a saxophone player and was assigned to the 82d Airborne Division Band at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After graduation from Officer Candidate School, he served as Executive Officer of Student Company at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia. Prior to his current assignment, he was Executive Officer of the United States Army Europe Band & Chorus.
Mr. McKenzie is a graduate of the Basic Music Course, Airborne School, the Primary Leadership Development Course, Officer Candidate School, the Adjutant General Officer Basic and Captains Career Courses, and the Army Band Officer Course. His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the German Bronze Parachutist Badge.
Mr. McKenzie and his wife, Anne, have two children, Jimmy and Colleen. They reside wherever the Army sends them.