Dr. Colin McKenzie is an educator, conductor, and music administrator, currently serving as Director of the School of Music and Conductor of the Symphonic Winds at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. The USM School of Music has an international reputation for excellence in performance and in training teachers. With over 400 students and more than 40 full time faculty, the School of Music is a vibrant and diverse community of music makers, preparing future professionals and serving our local, regional, and national communities.

Prior to moving into his current administrative role, McKenzie served as Associate Director of Bands, Associate Professor of Music, and Director of the Pride of Mississippi at the University of Southern Mississippi.  He conducted the Symphonic Winds, administered all facets of the comprehensive athletic band program, taught course work in conducting, and assisted in student teacher preparation and observation.

Prior to his appointment at the University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. McKenzie served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Georgia Southern University.  At Georgia Southern, he directed and administered all facets of the Southern Pride Marching Band and Hoop Troop Athletic Bands.  He also served as conductor of the Georgia Southern University Wind Symphony, founding conductor of the University Band, and taught graduate conducting and marching band techniques within the Department of Music.

Before teaching at Georgia Southern, McKenzie was on the faculty at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he was assistant director and, later, acting director of the Golden Wave Band, conducted the concert band, co-conducted the symphonic band, and taught undergraduate courses in music education and conducting.  In addition to his duties within the University Bands, McKenzie also served as Associate Conductor of the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Dr. McKenzie holds the Bachelor in Music Education from Valdosta State University, the Master of Music in Conducting from Baylor University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from Michigan State University.  His primary conducting teachers are Dr. Kevin Sedatole and Dr. Joe Brashier.  His professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, honorary membership in Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi, and membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was elected into Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity.