From the A Cappella bleachers to the stage of the San Francisco Opera, alumni Amy McKenzie’s passion for music has led her to coach Piedmont students in the art of singing.
McKenzie, who graduated from Piedmont in 1992, has come back as a vocal coach for song lovers and students in the A Capella classes.
“I love coaching kids at PHS,” McKenzie said. “The level of commitment and musicality of A Capella students is amazing.”
McKenzie said that it has never felt strange for her to work at the same school that she attended.
“I had a great experience in the music department when I was a kid and it feels very natural to continue to work with kids that are having a similar experience,” McKenzie said.
Junior Amy Kelleher said that McKenzie knows all of the different local programs, so it is very helpful when preparing for auditions.
“I love that she focuses on the whole process,” Kelleher said. “She really wants to help us improve our voices and push ourselves to expand our vocal skills.”
McKenzie happened to be a student of current A Capella teacher Joe Piazza.
“I think that the big difference is that Joe is only ten years older than I am so we have more of a peer relationship,” McKenzie said.
She said that Piazza has always been so dynamic and exciting to work with, and that they are very close friends.
“In 2002, I began singing with the San Francisco Opera Chorus,” McKenzie said, “It has been a dream job.”
She said that singing at that high of a level is very rewarding and it is fun to have people doing her make-up and fussing over her.
“It makes me feel like a real opera singer,” McKenzie said.
Kelleher said that McKenzie is a wonderful person and she loves to spend time with her.
“I know how lucky I am to have the opportunity to work with such excellent and excited high school students,” McKenzie said. “I love being able to help students be better at something they already love.”
Kelleher said that McKenzie really knows her students and her lessons always begin with a check in on what is going on with life in general.
“I can tell she really cares about me as a person along with my singing progress,” Kelleher said.
