Charlotte Bagpiper Ally McKinnis

As a Scottish-American I have been playing the bagpipes for over 12 years. It is my passion to bring the music of bagpipes to make events spectacular. I am always early to the event, ready to play, and my uniform is always clean and distinctly Scottish. I work hard to make sure the instrument is clear and tuned properly. I have a large repertoire of music under my belt for different types of occasions, and with enough time I can also learn or transcribe new music for something extra special.

Funerals: A bagpiper playing as guest are arriving, leaving, or at the graveside is a common sight. Bagpipers in full traditional Scottish uniform make any funeral or memorial ceremony a special one.

Weddings: Some brave lasses want to go down the aisle to the tune of a bagpiper. Bagpipers at weddings make everything lively and grand. Brides usually like to have a piper play them down the aisle, as a recessional song, as guests leave the ceremony, or as they depart for the honeymoon.

The name 'McKinnis' is derived from the ancient Hebrides clan of 'MacInnes', which means son of Angus. Despite my ancestors being from America since the middle 1700s, I claim Scottish blood from most of my family. My kilt and uniform are woven in the traditional MacInnes ancient hunting plaid. I had the pleasure of traveling to Scotland when I was 10 years old, and that is when I first became interested in learning the bagpipes. I began playing on the practice chanter for the pipes at age 11.

I competed in solo competitions in seven different states during middle and high school. I was a member of the North Carolina State University Pipe and Drum band for four years. I have been available for hire for 11 years in the Raleigh and Charlotte areas. Currently, I work full-time as an accountant and bagpiping continues to be my hobby.

In addition to being a piper, I love playing my other instruments: shuttle pipes, Irish tin whistle, clay ocarina, and my Appalachian dulcimer.

This is a very loud instrument so bear in mind that for an indoor event this instrument will become the center of attention until I have finished playing! Outdoor events are much more easy to handle and therefore the instrument will be drowned out a little more. If you are worried about noise I also play shuttle pipes that suite a more intimate indoor environment. I always arrive early and ready to perform, already tuned up.

Please note: I cannot perform outdoors between November 1 and March 1 due to the extreme temperatures in the Carolinas and the risk of damaging the pipes. This includes covered outdoor events.

Pricing Factors:
-Travel distance
-Attire ($0-$100, see options below)
-Length of performance (5 minutes is $100; 20 minutes is $200)

I do not offer discounts and I only offer pro bono demonstrations to nearby schools & events. Bagpipe and kilted uniform maintenance are extremely expensive to maintain.

Attire Options:
-Full uniform (Scottish kilt, shirt, tie, vest for colder weather/indoors) $100
-Half uniform (top with red & cream tartan sash, slacks/jeans depending on formality) $50
-Casual (jeans and a top/event t-shirt) FREE