Mackenzie Koeppen, a BVH junior and performer in Music Machine, is deeply involved within the class, which practices for two hours every day and is available during the 5th and 6th periods. The group participates in a variety of events that include both singing and dancing. For Mackenzie, Music Machine has provided numerous opportunities and valuable experiences. She has embraced these opportunities over the years, dedicating herself to perfecting her craft and making it an essential part of her journey. Koeppen reflects on her decision to join the club when she first arrived at BVH.
“I personally joined because I always loved singing. I never really had a program where I could express my interest in it until [coming into] high school. Music Machine is just an incredibly close knit group of talented students like myself,” Koeppen said.
Music Machine provides a unique community to students that they don’t usually get in other classes or sports. Koeppen also takes part in multiple other activities such as girls field hockey, lacrosse and track. Juggling all these activities along with school can be tough, Koeppen shares what her biggest challenge has been.
“The biggest challenge I probably face in Music Machine is managing my schedule. While it’s my number one priority, in addition to being a student performer, I am a student athlete, and I can honestly say that it does get challenging sometimes, but playing a sport and being a performer is what made my high school experience so exhilarating,” Koeppen said.
Balancing multiple commitments can be challenging, as the challenge of managing time effectively becomes a struggle, but for Koeppen it has become a source of exhilaration and fulfillment. Rather than viewing her busy routine as something to endure, she sees it as a source of energy and motivation, choosing to fully invest in every opportunity she is given.
“Honestly, Music Machine does take up most of my time, but that’s the fun of it. Anything that’s impactful obviously takes commitment and effort. I am more than willing to put that into this amazing group. It is not like the time that’s taken up is dreadful, it’s the complete opposite. I choose and want to be there every single day, because I have always been a busy girl,” Koeppen said.
Taking on numerous tasks can become stressful but she chooses to view it towards a positive output of constantly being busy. She enjoys constantly being busy especially when she is surrounded by a great group of people. Music Machine director and BVH alumni Micheal Attwood shares his view on Koeppen as she balances many activities in her daily life.
“She is actually one of the better [students], she balances everything so well, she has a very good [Grade Point Average] GPA, is involved in clubs and sports, she is motivated in everything she does and those are the kids who excel most in this program,” Attwood said.
Koeppen stands out for her ability to balance academics, sports and extracurriculars, maintaining a strong GPA while staying motivated and involved. Making her a successful performer in the music machine. This passion can now be demonstrated and shared with students at BVH, as it has positively impacted his life, as he has expressed. Koeppen also shares how Music Machine has benefited her life and given her positive opportunities parallel to Attwood.
“Music Machine has brought me so many opportunities like making new friends, but things that people overlook are the experiences we get in our community. We often go to shows where we perform for elementary schools, local clubs like the rotary club at the Bonita golf course, and we get to travel all over the place to perform as well,” Koeppen said.
Koeppen’s commitment to music has only deepened, and Music Machine has offered her an ideal environment to further develop her talents while being surrounded by a nurturing community of like-minded individuals. Senior and Assistant Director Lily Hobson shares how she views Koeppen’s personality traits as a performer.
“Mackenzie is a very talented, kind, and welcoming person who adds a lot to the group. She leads by example and is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. I consider her one of my closest friends,” Hobson said.
Koeppen is viewed as a great friend and person to be around, she is very genuine and takes great pride in being involved in Music Machine. Koeppen shares a valuable lesson she has learned from being part of Music Machine and how she will apply it to her life.
“I think a life lesson of mine I’ve learned while being in this group is to just quit being embarrassed to do the things I love to do. Putting in effort into your high school experience will honestly make it so much better,” Koeppen said.
