An Almost Perfect Weekend

by Brenda Fysh | February 2, 2015

McKenzie participated in her first Eastshore Region's Solo & Ensemble Contest, receiving a Superior rating on her piano set, and an Excellent rating on her vocal solo. Congrats McKenzie!!
She also had fun accompanying a soloist, and playing keyboard for Sunday morning services. It would have been a perfect weekend, if only the Seahawks would have won the Super Bowl. Oh well, we were so close! At least we had fun watching the game and relaxing at our friend's house. Still proud of our team!

Renton River Days Art Show

by McKenzie | July 20, 2014

I'm excited to announce that I'll be playing an instrumental set for the Renton Annual Art Show, which is happening as part of Renton River Days. It will take place in the Renton Community Center, and my set will be from 1-2pm on Saturday July 26th. It is come-and-go-as-you-please, but there will also be seating available in an air conditioned building.
It's been a busy summer with driver's ed, volunteering for Vacation Bible School and Emergency Feeding Program, the Youthworks Mission Trip, and hanging out with friends, but I actually found some time to do a recording session in the studio. It was fun to start recording for my new CD. Keep an eye out for more info!

WMTA Chapter Honors Competition Results

by Brenda Fysh | March 9, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS MCKENZIE!!!

She received 4th Place Ranked Honorable Mention out of 40 participants in the WSMTA South King County Chapter Honors Competition! McKenzie and 9 other students have been invited to play in the CHC Fine Arts Recital in a couple of weeks; The only problem is, she's already scheduled to be at the State Thespian Fest with her high school on the same day. Hmmm, wonder if we could clone her so she could be at both events at the same time...
The school newspaper also wrote an article about her, so all in all, it's been a great start to March! She feels honored to study under such a great teacher who is very encouraging, yet challenges her to do her very best while having fun.

Renton Foundation's Circle of Giving Event

by McKenzie | February 1, 2014

I was asked to play background music and a solo at The Renton Foundation's Circle of Giving event on Wednesday. The Foundation (in partnership with the City of Renton) gave away $35,000.00 to various organizations and teachers so they could reach out and help others in the community. I was blessed to receive a $500.00 scholarship through The Allied Arts of Renton as part of this event.
It was very inspiring to meet community leaders who are making a difference in this great city.

Here I am pictured with King Parker (King and Bunny Appliances), one of the Circle of Giving members.

Jaris English (writer and president of Allied Arts) wrote a wonderful article explaining the event. Click here to read it.

December blog

by McKenzie | December 17, 2013

Happy Holidays, and thanks for visiting my site!
I had so much fun in our school's Fall production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream", which ended just before Thanksgiving. I then started on my piano Christmas music. Last week I participated in my piano studio recital and was on the worship team for church. This week, I'll be playing for my Youth Group's semi-formal Christmas dinner event, playing Carols for a private party, then doing a retirement community concert. Even though it's a busy time of year, it's amazing how our favorite Christmas song can spark great memories and force us to slow down, if only for just a few minutes. I hope you are able to enjoy breaks with your favorite tunes this Holiday Season!

Congratulations McKenzie!!

by Brenda Fysh | November 2, 2013

2013 ARTS ALIVE FOR YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:

Special thanks to Allied Arts of Renton, Inc. for awarding McKenzie and other Renton youth with this scholarship, and to McKenzie's former music teacher, Mrs. Turner for a great letter of recommendation! The recipients will be recognized at the annual Circle of Giving event in January. More details about the event will be posted in the Events calendar once they become available. McKenzie will use her $500.00 award for piano lesson tuition.

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September Recap

by McKenzie | October 4, 2013

The weather today definitely reminded us that Fall has arrived!

I've been busy adjusting to high school as a freshman, and starting with a new piano teacher. (My former teacher moved to Vegas to play for the "KA" Cirque du Soleil show).

I enjoyed meeting so many wonderful art enthusiasts during Renton's Fall Arts Equinox at Carco Theater last week. My youth director spotted a front-page article in the Renton Reporter which had the performers' photos:
http://www.rentonreporter.com/green_editions/?iid=i2013092611564234
I feel so privileged to live in a city that promotes arts awareness and networking.

UPDATE 10/4: My next concert at the Merrill Gardens Retirement Community in Downtown Renton on Saturday, October 5th, has been changed to start at 6:30pm (not 3pm) . This event is free and open to the public. I'll be doing a 30-minute set which will feature a variety of styles, and will debut a new original song I've been working on.

And for those of you who saw my mom doing "the twist" to entertainer Aunt Dottie's music at the Equinox event: she has promised not to embarrass me like that again (ha! ha!).

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Wine and Hor D'oeuvres--fancy!

by McKenzie | September 11, 2013

I had a great summer, and hope you did too! The Meet the Artist event at Renton River Days went very well. I saw quite a few people, and it was fun hearing people sing the words to some of the instrumental songs I played. A big thanks to friends and family who stopped by!

Just after Labor Day, I started high school and am now preparing for my event on September 19th at 6pm in Carco Theatre. It will be my first gig with wine and light hor d'oeuvres being served. Sounds fancy to me!

But more importantly, it's a chance for local Renton artists to network and showcase their talents to help promote the city's Music and Arts culture. Let me know if you can make it!

IKEA Renton River Days Booth

by McKenzie | July 23, 2013

I'm really excited to be part of Renton's first ever Meet the Artist Booth in the Craft Market during Renton River Days, at Liberty Park. I'll be there on Saturday July 27th. Come sit and relax in the shaded canopy any time between 2-3pm. I'll be playing a variety of selections, demonstrating how I come up with song ideas, and answering any questions you may have about my music. Hope to see you there!

Back from the Youthworks Missions Trip

by McKenzie | July 21, 2013

I’m back! The mission trip was an amazing, life-changing experience that I will never forget. My group (made up of teens from my home church as well as from Minnesota, Colorado and Arizona) got to prep and paint a house, and serve at Kids Club.

The Youthworks staff, were amazing, and I looked forward to hearing the daily messages about brokenness, restoration and empowerment, At the end of the week, there was a foot-washing ceremony. Katie, the summer intern from our church started praying afterwards, and I felt God speaking to me about being a leader.

Our outings included a rodeo, a parade, hiking up a canyon, and hearing a Shoshone tribal member speak to us about his culture. Our team also visited Sacajawea’s grave. On the way home we got to camp in Yellowstone, and some of us led in a few worship songs.
I feel privileged to have experienced the change in me and in others as a result of this opportunity to serve!

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