Originally from Greensboro, NC, Brian McKenzie has been playing and performing on the drums for twenty years and teaching for fourteen. A graduate of the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, he holds degrees in instrumental music performance and music industry studies, with a focus in recording/production. Through his studies, he was fortunate to perform with many ensembles including the symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, tabla ensemble, marching band, steel band, jazz band, and various chamber ensembles. As an engineer for the Robert F. Gilley Recording Studio, he produced several records for local musicians in the Boone, NC area. He also served as president of Split Rail Records during his tenure.

Brian began his career traveling across the southeastern region as a contract performer and technician for media companies and performance groups while also working regularly as an educator and designer for independent and scholastic groups in the Winter Guard International (WGI), Bands of America (BOA), and Drum Corps Associates (DCA) circuits. Between 2017 and 2018 Brian worked with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps on their productions ‘Jagged Line’ and ‘Session 44’. He joined the Boston Crusaders as a producer for their 2019 and 2022 productions, “Goliath” and “Paradise Lost”, and has continued working with the group on their programs.

Since moving to Georgia, Brian formed his production company, Para Machina, where he continues his contract work for educational, corporate, independent, special event, festival, and touring organizations while also maintaining a healthy performance schedule with his bands Indigo Method, Via Solars, and the Atlanta Percussion Ensemble & Steel Collective.