Role

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Composer

Birth

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1980

 

Kevin McKee is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1980 in the United States. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a trumpet player and his mother a pianist. McKee started playing the trumpet at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. McKee attended the University of Montana, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Oregon. During his time in college, McKee studied with renowned composers such as Robert Kyr and David Crumb. McKee's compositions are known for their unique blend of classical and jazz influences. He often incorporates improvisation into his works, which gives them a spontaneous and dynamic feel. McKee's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. One of McKee's most famous works is his trumpet concerto, "Blue," which was commissioned by the International Trumpet Guild in 2006. The concerto is a tribute to the blues and features a solo trumpet accompanied by a full orchestra. The piece has been performed by some of the world's most renowned trumpet players, including Sergei Nakariakov and Ryan Anthony. Another notable work by McKee is his "Escape," which was commissioned by the University of Oregon Wind Ensemble in 2010. The piece is a high-energy composition that features a variety of percussion instruments and a driving rhythm. "Escape" has been performed by numerous wind ensembles and has become a staple of the modern wind band repertoire. McKee's music has also been featured in several films and television shows. His piece "Dance" was used in the soundtrack for the 2013 film "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," and his composition "Vuelta del Fuego" was used in the television show "So You Think You Can Dance." In addition to his work as a composer, McKee is also an accomplished trumpet player. He has performed with a variety of orchestras and ensembles, including the Oregon Symphony and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. McKee's experience as a performer has influenced his compositions, as he often writes music that showcases the unique qualities of the trumpet. Overall, Kevin McKee is a talented and innovative composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His unique blend of classical and jazz influences, combined with his use of improvisation, has made his music stand out in a crowded field. McKee's works have been performed by some of the world's most renowned musicians and have become staples of the modern classical repertoire.

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