Virginia Tech alumnus, Capt. Scott McKenzie, has been named associate conductor of the United States Army Band in Washington, D.C.

McKenzie, who graduated in 1994 with a bachelor of arts in music from the university’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, made his conducting debut with the concert band on the west steps of the United States Capitol on Friday, June 20.

Founded in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, the United States Army Band participates in events of national and international importance and is one of the premier musical organizations of the United States Army. For over 75 years its tradition of excellence has represented the United States both at home and abroad. From 1943 to 1945, the band was called overseas and performed in North Africa and Europe and is the only Washington-based military band to have participated in a theater of foreign combat operations.

In addition to his associate conductorship with the band, McKenzie concurrently serves as director of the United States Army Chorus also based in Washington, D.C. As director of the chorus, he leads the group in performances including official state functions at the White House and with major orchestras and festivals throughout the United States.

An active composer and arranger, McKenzie’s compositions include pieces for bands from middle school to the professional level. In 2007, his Fanfare for Enduring Freedom for Brass Choir and Bass Drum was a winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony Call for Fanfares competition and was performed by the combined brasses of the Dallas Wind Symphony and the U.S. Army Field Band.

Previously, McKenzie has served as executive officer of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus in Heidelberg, Germany, and as the executive officer, student company, for the U.S. Army School of Music in Norfolk, Va.

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