about us
Owned and operated by Gavin & Renae McKenzie, McKenzie Music Etcetera prides itself on friendly service and high quality repairs, sales and hire of brass and woodwind instruments in Toowoomba, QLD.
Meet Gav
After completely disassembling his saxophone at the age of 15 (sorry Mum!), and successfully making it play again… phew!… Gav decided a career in music and instrument repairs was for him. He attended the University of Southern Queensland, where he completed a Bachelor of Music as well as his A. Mus. A. on alto saxophone, and went on to complete musical instrument repair training and is a fully qualified Instrumental Repair Technician. He has completed extensive training in dent removal, polishing and plating, soldering, brass and woodwind instrument set-ups, machine and tool usage, workshop procedures and retail experience. Gavin is a member of NAPBIRT – the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians.
Gavin has also enjoyed teaching privately and taking ensembles at several local schools over his career, including a tenure of 12 years at Toowoomba Grammar School.
In his spare time (hah, what even is that?!), Gavin is President and lead alto saxophone in the successful local band, The Cool Nights Big Band. The band plays regular performances each year and has travelled across Eastern Australia playing to large audiences. Through Cool Nights and other bands he has the opportunity to play music with world renowned artists.
Meet Renae
Renae was the aforementioned kid to be given the tuba at the tender age of 11 (sorry Mum!) and it was Renae’s parents who were the lucky ones to cart said tuba to car yards to make sure it fit in the boot of all future vehicles. Yearning to play something a little lighter and arguably more exciting, Renae now mostly plays trombone, and has done so in many local and professional-level bands and productions over the years.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts under her belt and a graphic designer by trade, Renae assumed her music days were behind her, until she met the love of her life and moved back home to help build McKenzie Music Etcetera, as well as her own successful freelance design business, Bird & Branch Design.
Meet Claire
They say you can’t keep a good saxophonist down, and Claire is living proof! After completing not one, not two, but three degrees (Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music Education, and a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts in Technical Production- yes, she’s a serial student and proud of it!), Claire promptly packed up her sax, moved to Sydney, and dove headfirst into the fast-paced world of stage management.
Her backstage career took her around the world, with highlights including Disney’s The Lion King, Opera Australia, Sydney Dance Company and the Malthouse Theatre. But eventually, the sax called her home.
Now based in Toowoomba, Claire brings her all-star experience to McKenzie Music Etcetera- where she combines her talents in teaching, performance, and admin wizardry. She teaches saxophone privately, plays in local ensembles (including the fabulous Pinkies in Ice saxophone quintet), and recently nailed her A.Mus.A. When the examiner asked if she was a teacher and she said “no,” the response was, “well, you definitely should be!” – don’t worry, Claire, we agree!
With her unique combo of stage smarts, teaching chops, and musical flair, we’re pretty stoked to have Claire as part of the team. Plus, she’s just so darn nice. No question is ever too silly, and she absolutely loves helping new musicians take their first steps on their musical journey.
nice things people to have to say
“Without a doubt the best instrument repair in the region. They also have a large selection of instruments and accessories. They are THE place to go if you’re a woodwind or brass player. Service and attention to detail are second to none.”
– Steve
“We love the service and knowledge Gavin gives. The shop is wonderful and after purchasing an instrument from Gavin we would have no hesitation in recommending him to everyone. Two thumbs up.”
– Andrew
“Beautiful people who care about music and instruments. Have been getting our clarinets serviced by Gavin for many years. Very knowledgeable and efficient. Once you experience the best you will never go any where else.”
– Teena