I remember the first
time I drove to Mesa to see my nephew in a Metropolitan Youth Symphony
Concert
in the Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center. I was blown away by the patterned walls of the theater, designed to bring to mind the “eroded sandstone
walls of a desert canyon.” The orchestra started to play, and I was caught up
by the excellent acoustics. I started to count young, future community leaders
and lifelong arts supporters in the four separate orchestras on the stage. That
is when I learned Mesa Arts Center is a world class venue, when I experienced
it myself.
Now I find myself in
my final semester at Arizona State University, as a Marketing and Public
Relations Intern at Mesa Arts Center, an opportunity I could not pass up. What
is it about Mesa Arts Center that is elevating Mesa? What is it that is
attracting other cultural icons like a magnet?
I’m Mckell Keeney; a
singer, songwriter, writer and people-watcher. Most importantly, I am a family
member and someone who serves in the community. I am an engaged supporter of
music and fine arts in our schools and in our cities, and the way they not only
enrich people’s lives, but make it possible for us to go forward.
Out of everything I
can list on a resume, the thing that impressed my sons’ friends the most was
when I was in cover bands. My sons would say casually when asked what their mom
did, “My mom is in a rock band,” and that gave me street cred. Being a local
part-time musician is a lot of work, and involves some rejection, either in
auditions or in bookings. You mostly play for the love of music. I sang lead
and backup, played keys and percussion, including the Cajon, a wooden box drum
my son made for me. My favorite band to be in was a horn band that was heavy on
'80s music and Ska.
I co-founded a
nonprofit organization called Arts Council for Youth, a parent council that
supports music and fine arts courses, teachers and students in the Kyrene and
Tempe school districts. Through this work I have been able to learn valuable
lessons from community arts leaders. My core belief is that music and
fine arts courses are not extracurricular courses, but vital subjects that keep
students in school, and help them excel in other courses.
About three years
ago, I had an urge to go back to college and finish my Bachelor’s Degree.
Instead of my previous majors of Vocal Performance and English, or a tempting
major, Music Composition, I decided to go with Communication, because being a
better communicator applies to all aspects of life and almost all careers.
On weekends I love to
attend concerts and go to festivals with my family. Free community festivals
are the best! Mark your calendars for Dia de los Muertos the last weekend in
October, and the Mesa Arts Festival with holiday arts and crafts December
14 and 15. I will see you there!
