I choose Rick’s pieces because he knows how to write for the child’s voice. His beautiful melodies are set perfectly so that the choir has the opportunity to sound its best. The compositions add a wonderful contemporary sound that balance out my repertoire. I highly recommend his pieces they are loved by both audiences and singers!
Rick McKee has vast experience working with young voices, so his compositions are ideal for my elementary school chorus. He knows how to shape melodies and harmonies so the students will intuitively be able to sing them. The students love Rick’s work, so they quickly learn the music. Lastly, his compositions are always well received by the audience!
“I program a composition by Rick McKee every year on a Cartersville Elementary Orffestra concert. I have never been disappointed in the results… the children’s growth as a result of the study of the piece or the audience’s favorable response to the beauty and cleverness of this works. Rick’s extensive experience as an educator, clinician, and adjudicator give him expertise in writing for the child’s voice. There are always a few challenges in each piece, but the challenges never require straining or frustration, just good old training and practice. The goal is always attainable and so satisfying to accomplish… a confidence builder for choristers. Rick McKee also shows respect for the child singer in his compositions, something my students recognize intuitively. A man of integrity in every area of his own life, he writes and draws from lyrics that are never trite. Even in his humorous pieces there is meaning and a mystery to ponder on the child’s level of understanding. I know that my children’s lives are enriched by Rick’s music.”