Music E-Newsletter
Musician Interview
This month the Music News talked with Kenny Allen. Kenny is the new Director of Children’s Choirs here at St. Andrew.
Where are you working when not at St. Andrew?
I currently work as a music specialist for Plano ISD at Schell Elementary School on the east side of Plano. I also work as Director of the Plano Children’s Chorale, an all-district choir for 5th graders identified as being exceptionally talented in music.
Where are you from and how long have you been in the Dallas area?
I grew up as an army brat so I moved around a lot however I still consider Iowa to be home. I moved to the Dallas area in 2003, away from the bitter cold.
Describe your early music studies briefly. Did you begin piano or an instrument or voice at a young age? How long did you study?
My love of music began when I was 5. My parents were big Motown fans so I grew up singing R&B and gospel music. When I was in 6th grade I began voice lessons and I didn’t stop until I was a senior in college. This is where I found out there is more to music than Motown. My primary instrument is my voice with a sprinkling of piano and saxophone playing along the years. I’m learning to play the ukulele right now.
What were some other musical highlights growing up? Were you involved in choir or band in school and/or church? Did you participate in school or church musicals?
I was in any and every music group you could imagine such as: a Cappella groups, madrigal groups, show choir, All-State choir, band but not orchestra. When I’m not singing with my students, I’m singing with my praise and worship group called Voices of Hope. I love this group so much!
Were there others in your family growing up that studied music or were musical? Did parents, siblings, or other relatives influence your decision to study music? How much was your family involved in church music when you were growing up?
My mother and father sing…nicely, well, that’s another story. My mother was always extremely supportive of my decision to study music. I actually wasn’t going to be a music teacher until my mother gently pushed me towards that decision. I wanted to study French or math and become a teacher of either. Neither parent was involved in church music nor was I until my adult life.
What made you decide to come to St. Andrew?
I work for Plano ISD and I know what a majority of these children are experiencing in their music classrooms everyday. I hope to make a seamless transition between that experience and their church experience. I know of the reputation that St. Andrew has for quality music making and I love working with children.
What sorts of changes, additions, growth do you envision for the children's music program here?
I love to challenge children. Many people think that children are not capable of much but when they achieve the unthinkable it fosters confidence, better music literacy and a love for music within children that will surely continue for years to come.
What do you like most about children's music, and/or church music? Why do you do it, what do you get out of it?
I love the purity of children’s voices. I recently discovered the joy of performing sacred music with children and can’t wait to see what St. Andrew’s children sound like. I love being the foundation for understanding and loving music.
What are your hobbies or non-musical interests?
I love to travel. I go to London every couple of years which is my favorite of all. I’ve been to almost every country in Europe and have friends all over. However the most unique places I’ve been are Dubai-United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Haiti and India. I also love learning new languages. Ten years ago, I studied in Paris and became near fluent but unfortunately I don’t practice as I should and have lost a lot.