Spotlight Interview: McKenna Tucker — Bluegrass and Broadway
Some stars travel to the state of Tennessee to be discovered, and some are born there. McKenna Tucker, a 13-year-old Tennessee native, is a rising star who exudes the spirit of the area’s music. She sings, clogs, plays the guitar and banjo, and is teaching herself the fiddle and keyboard. McKenna has performed in community theater productions since the age of six and was selected to perform with touring Broadway theater companies. She’s the oldest of four children—she has two brothers (Collin, age 10, and Kye, age 7) and a new baby sister, Kannon Breeze. McKenna graciously took a few moments out of her busy schedule to tell us a little more about herself and her life as a K¹² homeschool student.
K¹² Editor
: So, McKenna, how long have you been homeschooling with K¹²?
McKenna
: I started in first grade, so I’m finishing my seventh year.
Editor
: What are your favorite subjects?
McKenna
: I love art, history, composition and literature, but my favorite subjects are science and music because I dream of being an animal scientist or a country/bluegrass music star.
Editor
: Is your long-term goal to become one of those?
McKenna
: My goal is to become either a country/bluegrass star, own my own zoo, or become an animal conservationist. Maybe a combination of those.
Editor
: How has using the K¹² curriculum helped you move closer to your career goals?
McKenna
: The K¹² Science courses have helped me discover my passion for working with animals. And when I first started taking guitar lessons, I already knew concepts of music theory and had a basic understanding of music because of the K¹² Music courses. K¹² helped form in me what musicians call a “musical ear.” This helps me in playing the instruments, arranging music, learning new songs quickly, and singing on pitch.
Editor
: What has been the single most exciting thing that you’ve experienced related to music?
McKenna
: Well, there are three, and it’s hard to pick one! I was invited to sing and perform at Auto Zone Park in front of 3,000 people for the Girl Scouts’ 95th Anniversary Celebration. I also had the opportunity to perform with Jon Secada on stage at the Orpheum Theatre in a touring Broadway play, and I performed with Justin Timberlake’s father and brother in front of Justin Timberlake!
Editor
: Wow! So you’ve already met a few stars. If you could meet anyone else in the music world, who would it be?
McKenna
: Let’s see... Dolly Parton, David Archuleta, and the Great Bear Trio.
Editor
: What would you ask them?
McKenna
: I’d ask Dolly about songwriting. And since she is one of the most business-minded women in Nashville, I’d ask her how to be a successful female entrepreneur. I’d ask David what kept him motivated to learn the piano, sing, and perform long before he reached American Idol. I actually did meet the Great Bear Trio, but if I met them again I’d ask if I could go on tour and perform with them. Seeing them perform on stage and having as much fun as they do with music motivates me to stick with my musical dream.
Editor
: When you aren’t busy practicing music, rehearsing, or doing schoolwork, what do you like to do?
McKenna
: I love drawing, playing in the woods around our house with my brothers, board games, and playing with my dog, Maya. I also love horses and playing a game on the computer called “Howrse” (yes, it really is spelled that way). I use it to teach myself finance and business.
Editor
: Business? Finance? You didn’t mention math as one of your favorite subjects.
McKenna
: Well, if I had to pick a least favorite subject, it would be math.
Editor
: Why math?
McKenna
: Algebra—that says it all.
Editor
: And if you could meet anyone at K¹², who would it be?
McKenna
: Definitely Bror Saxberg.
Editor
: What would you ask him?
McKenna
: “Can you please tutor me in Algebra?”
Editor
: McKenna, thank you for sharing your experiences as a K¹² student. We wish you the very best in pursuing your goals. It certainly sounds like you are well on your way to becoming a star in whichever field you choose. If you have children some day, do you think you’ll choose to homeschool them?
McKenna
: I will definitely homeschool my children because I have loved being homeschooled myself. I love having such a flexible schedule that allows me to participate in other activities and that allows my family to take last-minute vacations. I enjoy the time I am able to spend with my family.
Editor
: And the curriculum you’ll use will be...
McKenna
: Why K¹² , of course! With the K¹² curriculum, homeschooling is fun. I enjoy doing school. I have had such a broad education with K¹² and have learned so much that will benefit me for all of my life. K¹² motivates me to be the best I can be, and I want the same for my children. I want them to have all the benefits K¹² has given me.
