Kelsey McIvor
Class of 2020
Jazz Band • Rock Band • Jazz Choir • String Orchestra • Pit Orchestra
University of California - Berkeley
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For Kelsey McIvor, music was a constant throughout her years at San Marin—playing across ensembles, exploring different styles, and building a lasting connection to performing with others.
After graduating, Kelsey attended UC Berkeley, where she studied foreign relations, public policy, and Spanish. While her professional path ultimately led outside the performing arts, music remained an important part of her college experience.
At UC Berkeley, Kelsey continued performing as a member of the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, including traveling with the ensemble on a European tour. After graduating from Berkeley in 2024, she began a career as a labor union organizer.
Reflection & AdviceLooking back on San Marin, some of Kelsey’s favorite memories came from the experiences she shared with other students outside the classroom. One standout was the Performing Arts trip to New York City, where she remembers “hitting multiple live shows a night.”
Her experience was also a uniquely personal one: Kelsey spent part of her time in the program as a student of her mom, San Marin Performing Arts Director & Educator Allison McIvor.
One simple lesson from her time in the program has stayed with her:
“Listen to an album a day; you will always feel better.”
Kelsey’s advice to current San Marin students is simple:
“Try something new and play with people you’ve never met before.”
