Carolina Crown to Collaborate with Composer John Mackey

As excitement for the summer continues to build, we are thrilled to welcome world-renowned composer John Mackey! Mackey has been commissioned to compose an original piece for Crown’s upcoming production.

"The addition of John to the creative team at Crown is an incredible opportunity! This commission highlights the enduring power of music to unite creative minds across our discipline. In combining John’s unique creative voice with the artistic virtuosity of the Crown performers, we are excited to create an experience that will captivate and inspire audiences in ways never imagined!” said Reid Atkinson, Crown Program Coordinator.

Performers at Crown will have the opportunity to engage with Mackey when he visits this Summer. Mackey’s creation will later be arranged as concert band literature to be released in the Fall, creating a legacy work that will live on long past Finals night.

“I was blown away when Carolina Crown asked if I’d be interested in writing original music for their 2024 show”, said Mackey. “The idea of writing something new just for drum corps was never on my radar. I’ll admit to being a little nervous, but collaborating with the wonderful team at Crown is very exciting! I hope I can contribute something to the show that the players are proud of! And then in the Fall, the piece created for Crown will be arranged for concert band based on the same material. This may be the first time an arrangement will go FROM drum corps TO concert band! We’re going to have a fun summer!” John Mackey

To read more about John Mackey, visit his website at www.johnmackey.com. 

Carolina Crown will begin their summer tour at Crown Live on June 15th at Gardner Webb University.