Staff Sergeant Justis MacKenzie is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana and was raised in San Antonio, Texas. SSgt MacKenzie grew up in an Air Force family before earning his Bachelor of Music degree (with Performer’s Certificate) from the Eastman School of Music in 2012. He then attended Rice University to earn his Master of Music degree and made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2014. After leaving Rice, SSgt MacKenzie joined the musical stage phenomenon Blast! on its 2014 Japan tour. SSgt MacKenzie has also performed with Broadway productions such as The Lion King, Jersey Boys, and Shrek the Musical, completing seven nationwide tours as well as international tours to Asia and Central America. In his spare time, SSgt MacKenzie enjoys karaoke and playing ice hockey.
EDUCATION:
2012: Bachelor of Music (with Performer’s Certificate), Eastman School of Music
2017: Master of Music, Rice University
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. May 2015 – July 2018: USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
2. July 2018 – Present: USAF Band of the West, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Recognition Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
2015 Air Force Public Affairs Award for Communication Excellence
2015 USAF Band of Flight Airman of the Year
2016 Air Force Public Affairs New Musician of the Year
2016 Air Force Public Affairs Award for Communication Excellence
2016 USAF Band of Flight Airman of the Year
2016 Air Force Media Contest: Best Small Ensemble Composition/Arrangement
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION:
Staff Sergeant: 1 July 2018
Last updated 04 Nov 2019