Tuning his saxophone, constant flipping of the music sheets, and nerve wracking performances are only a portion of Kieran Mckenzie’s’22, routine as a saxophonist. McKenzie’22 is one of the few saxophonists in Princeton High School’s top band program and has played abroad in several locations, including Italy. Playing the saxophone not only allows McKenzie to express himself, but also provides him with a sense of liberation. If you have attended band concerts in the past, you may recognize his knack for improvisation. From jam sessions to after-school practices, his dedication never fails to shine on stage.

Q: Why did you choose to play the saxophone?

A: I chose to play the saxophone because of how free it is as an instrument. Many musicians say it’s the closest instrument to the human voice, so you’re able to get many different sounds like no other instrument.

Q: How would you describe Princeton High School’s band program?

A: It is extraordinary. I often forget how great the bands are because of the high standards I seem to put on myself, but when I see the band programs at other schools it just really puts it into perspective, and I realize how amazing the band program at our school is.

Q: What is your favorite memory from band?

A: My favorite memory of being in the band program is not actually on stage as one might suspect. My favorite memory has to be one of the first times at a jam session where a bunch of music students came together during a break just to create music for fun. It leads to such natural and emotional music that you can’t often find with any group of musicians.

Q: If you had not learned to play saxophone, how do you think it would have impacted you today?

A: Oh, I would be such a different person. I wouldn’t have been able to travel to the places I’ve traveled, speak the way I speak, or think the way I think. With so many experiences and lessons, music has definitely shaped who I am as a person.

Q: Have you ever wanted to play a different instrument?

A: Oh yeah, all the time. I wish I would’ve started off playing piano and then switched to saxophone because then I would’ve learned about music theory and chords and multiple voices, which helps later playing a one-voice instrument.

Q: There are numerous saxophonists. What is one way you distinguish yourself?

A: A lot of saxophone players are very serious and sometimes strict, so I like to have as much fun as possible. I’m not afraid to let out a little dance, and I’ve noticed that if you’re into the music, the audience will also be into the music, which, in my opinion, is the most important thing.

Q: Who inspired you to play the saxophone?

A: I was actually inspired to start playing when I listened to an album by Joshua Redman when I was in eighth grade. If I never listened to that album, I would’ve never been into music in the first place.

Q: How much dedication does playing the saxophone require?

A: In the end, it’s all about how good you want to be, but saxophone players tend to be very serious, and it will take an incredible amount of dedication to be seen as “good” in the saxophone community.

Q: What do you want to tell people that are hesitant to join the band?

A: Just do it! At our school, you will be open to not just learning music but having real professional experiences that not many high schoolers can get.