Corbin Allgood McKinnon 
Playing several instruments is the light of my life. I play the flute, cajon and am learning the hammer dulcimer. I can play many kinds of music but on these instruments, I love playing, my favorite genre is Jazz / Improvisation. But my very favorite musical instrument is the Great Highland Bagpipe. I play in a band, The John Mohr MacKintosh Pipes and Drums in concerts, performances and competitions. It is a band of about 40 pipers and drummers, sighted guides, and supporters. I also play in solo competitions, for weddings, funerals, church services, parties, graduations, etc. I have been attending BOOM each year and love BOOM!! I look forward to opening the festivities this year.
Something interesting to know about me is that I am a Dall Piobaire, a blind bagpiper. Someone will assist me in reaching the stage and walking through Plaza but all of the playing is my own. I feel proud to have had mentors and teachers who patiently taught me who to play even though I can see absolutely nothing. And combined with my extreme determination after hearing pipes the first time at age 5.
Bagpipe music pieces are called “tunes” not “songs.” So I will look forward to playing a variety of tunes for you at BOOM.
If you have need for my services, please contact my manager. It requires a fee plus travel money so I normally only play in the Atlanta area. I look forward to talking to you if you have a need and I also know of pipers in the Charlotte area. I do have family in Charlotte so am here several times a year.
My performance will begin at the corner of Pecan and Commonwealth, I will then march down Commonwealth Ave. to the INTERSECTION Stage. I look forward to opening the festival.
You’ll hear typical bagpipe tunes, some American music and several pieces of Scottish dance tunes and marchs. One type of bagpipe music that only pipers recognize is named Piobaireachd (pronounced pea-broc). It is thought to have been created by shepherds who were alone for periods of time in the fields watching their flocks.This is one of my very favorite types of music. Each tune is between 10 and 20 minutes long. It begins with a two line melody called a “ground” and then increasingly difficult embellishes added to the basic tune. The tune ends up with a replay of the ground. I will introduce you to one but will not play an entire piece.
I will probably have time to take a few requests. I would ask that you give those ideas to my sighted guide so we can try to honor them. I’m not sure who will be my Sighted Guide during BOOM but it will either be a tall snowy haired man or a shorter red headed woman dressed in black. If you see me on the street please present your request to my Sighted Guide there too or we may have a minute to chat. I’m shy but I look forward to talking to you.
Showing at: Intersection