Biography

COL Scott McKenzie is the 13th Leader and Commander of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” His father served in the U.S. Navy, so he has hometowns in Washington, Texas, California, and Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Virginia Tech and a Master of Music in Composition from George Mason University and has also studied at Old Dominion University and the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. He is an accomplished and award-winning composer with over 80 original works to his credit.

Before he joined the Army, McKenzie taught band, chorus, and general music for four years. He enlisted in the Army in 1999 as a saxophone player and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Band, where he served as NCOIC of the library and staff arranger. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through Officer Candidate School in 2002.

McKenzie previously commanded the U.S Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus and U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, where he oversaw its relocation from Fort Monroe to Fort Eustis, Virginia, and earned the Superior Unit Award. He also commanded the 25th Infantry Division Band at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He has served as Executive Officer of the U.S. Army Element School of Music Student Company and The U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus, and as an Associate Conductor of The U.S. Army Field Band and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” He also served as the Department of the Army Staff Bands Officer, where he advised the Chief of Public Affairs on Army Bands policy and efficient and effective use of the entire Army Bands program.

McKenzie’s military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and the German Parachutist and Armed Forces Proficiency Badges.

He is married to wife Anne, and together they have three children, Jimmy, Colleen, and Allison.