Scott Reed McKenzie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maestro Scott McKenzie who spent his life conducting, creating, and playing music that inspired and brightened the lives of many thousands of people. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Eldon and Betty McKenzie and the family moved to Indianapolis in 1961. His artistic brilliance shined at an early age through his dedication to becoming an accomplished pianist, cellist, as well as composer, arranger and conductor of music ranging from the most complex classical to jazz, pop, and other genres. His passion for music combined with a willingness to work tirelessly applying his intelligence and rare creative gifts leaves an incredible musical legacy. His caring soul and love of helping others achieve their full potential in music leaves behind an influence that lives on in countless others. He shared his amazing musical ability with family, friends, and audiences across the country and internationally.

He graduated from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana leaving his mark on the music and theatre programs there. Among his many musical events at that time, he and a close friend were the performers at a concert that filled the large auditorium at the school for an evening of modern songs, classical piano pieces, and beautiful music. He went on to attend the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. During those years he was also very involved in music theatre in Indianapolis and at the age of 19 was instrumental in helping lead the initiative, working with Miriam Ramaker, that formed the Indianapolis Opera Company (now the Indianapolis Opera), the only professional opera company in Indiana.

His talent led to a career of conducting orchestras and musical events, serving as music director at churches, leading college and community theatre performances, and working for the Holland America Cruise Line Company. He taught voice lessons and theatre performance for aspiring high school and college vocalists, helping some be accepted into the most prestigious college music programs in the country, including Juilliard, with some ending up performing on Broadway.

After living in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas through the 1980s, he moved to North Carolina where his musical work in Charlotte and Raleigh during the 1990s through 2024 included serving as music directors for the Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Unity of the Triangle, and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. His career also included serving as the Conductor and Artistic Director for Carolina Voices, which included 100 vocalists and a 27-piece orchestra. As the music director at the Holland America Cruise Line Company from 2004-2009, he directed 21 musicians from various countries while working with celebrity vocalists and traveling to every continent in the world.

Throughout his life he also served as conductor and music director for college and professional music theatre projects, as well as college-level teaching, at the University of San Francisco, Davidson College, and North Carolina State University. His professional theatre projects included working with Tony Randall and Florence Henderson. He was an auditioning pianist for Broadway shows and The Walt Disney Company. He was very purpose driven in his life supporting important causes; and was a strong supporter and member of the LGBTQ+ community.

His writings over the years, including an article for the publication that goes to United Methodist Churches while serving as the music director at one, have included his reflections about being fortunate to see the world through music and his belief in the power of music to inspire, heal, entertain, and offer a strong message. Those writings stated his belief in how music can instruct, heal burdens, inspire graciousness and tolerance and understanding, entertain with joyfulness, and worship God.

He is survived by brothers Eldon and John McKenzie, niece Megan Hart (Billy), nephews Daniel McKenzie (Bilgi), David McKenzie, and Ian McKenzie as well as nine great nieces and nephews along with his Uncle James Reed (Amma) and many first cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Eldon McKenzie, mother Betty McKenzie, sister Dena Webb (David), his grandparents, and 25 aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Sunday January 11th at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East funeral center located at 10722 East Washington Street (east entrance), Indianapolis, Indiana 46229. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. ET. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:30 p.m. ET. Relatives and close friends are invited to a meal at the same building location following the service. This obituary and details are available at www.flannerbuchanan.com. Anyone wishing to contact immediate family of Scott may do so at [email protected].