McKenzie Warriner
Celebrating the class of 2018
Meet McKenzie Warriner, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in performance
In celebration of the University of Manitoba’s Spring Convocation 2018, UM Today is featuring some of the outstanding students we are celebrating this week.
McKenzie Warriner is a performance major (voice) in the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba. She was senior stick of the Faculty of Music Students’ Association this year and led the group in proposing an initiative to have guest clinicians work with the music students to teach them how to take care of their bodies as performers. The group was awarded one of the inaugural Health Through Wellness Grants to make this initiative happen.
What was your inspiration?
I was first exposed to music by my mom who taught piano lessons when I was a kid. I decided to pursue a degree in music because I believe that art is essential to society, and because I want to keep the classical music tradition alive.
What was your greatest obstacle in your post-secondary journey?
Having to figure out how to deal with an overfull schedule, and give my best effort without negatively affecting my mental well-being. A good skill for life!
What is the most interesting thing that happened to you at the U of M?
I was lucky enough to work with Elly Ameling (a famous Dutch soprano from Rotterdam, Netherlands) when she visited for master classes in my second year. That was a really amazing and unique experience. I also really loved University Singer’s tour of Europe last year, where we got to sing in amazing venues, and take in amazing countries.
What’s next?
I am starting my Master of Music degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York this fall.
Don’t forget to check our student accounts on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about some of the students graduating this week. You can also join the ‘Convocation conversation’ on social media by following #umanitoba2018.