Alumnus to take command of Army’s premier music ensemble

Virginia Tech alumnus Col. Scott McKenzie will become the new director of Pershing’s Own, the premier band for the U.S. Army located in Washington, D.C. 

McKenzie, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Virginia Tech in 1994, is currently serving in Germany as the commander of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus and will move into his new position in early March. 

“Pershing’s Own is one of the largest bands. It's one of the premier bands of all the United States military,” McKenzie said. “They are world class players, so it’s a great privilege. It’s incredibly rewarding for me to get to represent the Army.” 

Pershing’s Own provides musical support for the U.S. Army and its mission is to connect the Army to the American people. McKenzie will be leading over 200 soldiers in performances all over the U.S. but mostly supporting the nation’s capital. Pershing’s Own performs worldwide including at the White House, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. 

“The band's mission is to help people remember, help veterans remember to appreciate what they've done for their country,” McKenzie said. “It's for families today. It's for children today so that they can see soldiers in uniform and know what the army is about and what it does — to serve the American people.” 

Dave McKee, the director of the Marching Virginians from 1986-2018, saw McKenzie’s potential during his time at Virginia Tech.  

“He has a work ethic beyond reproach,” McKee said. “He has people skills that are magical, but his creativity and his willingness to make music with other people is really remarkable and wonderful.” 

McKenzie is dedicated to maintaining the premier status of the band.  

“It's a great organization, and I think a big part of my job will be just to maintain its level of excellence,” McKenzie said.  

McKenzie earned his master's degree in music from George Mason University and taught music at the middle-school level for four years before enlisting in the Army. He takes pride in his work as a teacher and said that it has transformed him into a better leader. 

“He's such a terrific asset to have,” McKee said. “He's been a source of pride in Virginia Tech for a very long time.” 

According to McKenzie, his time at Virginia Tech taught him about people and how to lead others in the world of music. 

“Virginia Tech prepared me in many ways,” McKenzie said. “My years as a teacher before I joined the Army continued to serve me in the Army. It's still a job where you take care of people, encourage them, mentor them, and grow the next generation of leaders.” 

Current members of Pershing’s Own include these Hokies:

• Sgt. 1st Class Kelley Corbett '04, principal trumpet in the Concert Band
• Staff Sgt. Anne Friend '14, band resource manager
• Staff Sgt. Rebecca McFarland '13, clarinetist in the Ceremonial Band

Written by Emily Southern, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and student writer for Virginia Tech Marketing and Communications