Bio

Zeek McKinley was born in Georgia and raised in Belgium, South Carolina, and Georgia. He has been a music lover since he was a child. Growing up listening to lots of R&B, Pop, and Gospel,  Zeek has always been inspired by how music has the potential to completely shift one’s emotions and promote change in the heart, mind, and the world itself. While living in Belgium for three years, Zeek spent his free time playing soccer; however, it wasn’t until after returning to the States that he decided he wanted to join the band. Not knowing much about band instruments, Zeek was given a trombone to try and was immediately intrigued by the slide. Later on, he came to a crossroads, realizing he didn't have time to play both soccer and trombone, so he chose the trombone. Before joining the band, Zeek wasn’t interested in “band music,” although he knew how much he loved music in general. After a few years in the band, he was sure that he wanted to keep playing the trombone. Around this time, Zeek moved to South Carolina, continued playing, and joined the marching band in ninth grade. He enjoyed marching band for a time, but soon realized he didn't want to be a part of it for much longer. On one particularly exciting school day, Zeek was pulled aside by his band director to speak with the admissions team from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, along with a few other students. During this meeting, Zeek was offered the opportunity to study the trombone full-time and experience orchestral training with other young, passionate musicians. Though he had never taken private lessons and had no experience in orchestra, he was determined to work towards being accepted into the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. After starting his training at the Governor’s School, Zeek began taking private lessons and performing in orchestras, chamber groups, and master classes. Around this time, he also performed as Assistant Principal Trombone in the Greenville County Youth Orchestra for one season. Studying at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities was a big inspiration for Zeek and one of the main reasons he decided to continue his orchestral studies. He went on to attend the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Peter Sullivan and Brian Wendel. After graduating from CIM in May of 2025, Zeek went on to continue his studies at the University of South Carolina School of Music, where he currently studies. Zeek has now been playing for 11 years, studying classical music for 7 years, and is working toward receiving his Bachelor's of Music in 2027.