Dr. Alvin McKinney

The Prime Minister of Joyful Jazz

United States

I've been playing saxophone for 40 years, and on the Légère reeds for the past 16 or 17 years. The Légère reeds are the best reeds (in both cane and synthetic) on the market, to date. In addition, unlike the cane reed which changes from coast to coast or continent to continent due atmospheric differences, the Légère reeds are also the most consistent reed I've ever played on, in terms of Performance, Power, Endurance, Range, Expression, Flexibility, and Longevity. I am truly honored to globally endorse, represent, and promote, such an incredible product and new technology of Excellence in this new millennium.

Dr. Alvin McKinney is a Virtuoso Alto Saxophonist, song writer/composer, arranger, and producer. He started his musical journey playing drums at age four. At age twelve, he picked up his first Saxophone. It became his first passion, and the focus of his career aspirations in music. He attended the University of Memphis, where he studied Classical Saxophone under Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Allen Rippe. He performed with the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and won the Woodwind Concerto competition in 1986. He graduated in 1989 with a concentration in Saxophone Performance. He went on to study Saxophone Performance under world renowned Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Donald Sinta, at the University of Michigan Master’s Program, where he taught Jazz Styles as a Graduate Assistant under Mr. Ed Sarath. He holds a Masters in Divinity, and a Doctorate in Sacred Music from the Global Evangelical Christian College and Seminary, in Wetumpka, Alabama.

Dr. McKinney taught band and orchestra for 14 years. He resigned in 2013, stepping out on faith to pursue his lifelong dream to perform, record, and compose music full time. While teaching, he attended National University in Culver City, California; where he completed 18 credit hours of the Masters in Music Education curriculum. He serves as the Assistant Pastor and Minister of Music for Redeemer Church of Christ-Power of God Ministries. He is the founder of the Alvin & Elizabeth McKinney Foundation, a 501c3 tax exempt charitable organization that raises funds to provide musical outlets and purchase instruments for aspiring young people who cannot afford to buy their own instrument.