Watkins on the Pipes

From National Pipe Band Competition in Glasgow, Scotland to WrestleMania

Kevin Watkins ’10 received a special invitation this past spring to return to Ship and perform with The Piano Guys on stage at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center on April 23.

Watkins began his musical career at the age of four with the piano and eventually went on to learn how to play around 30 different instruments. He was an active member of Ship’s drumline in the SU Marching Band and had a strong interest in learning how to play the bagpipes, a skill he eventually mastered post-graduation.

Watkins trained with the Prince George’s County Police Pipe Band, and from there he transitioned to playing in the MacMillian-Dunn grade five competition pipe band. During his time in both bands, he played as a snare drummer while learning how to play the pipes. Watkins progressed quickly and started fully playing the bagpipe within four short months.

Now, he instructs the Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums of Greater Baltimore and the Montgomery County Firefighter Pipes and Drums, all while playing for the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band, a grade two band that is one of the top five in the US.

His craft has taken him to acclaimed events, including WWE Wrestle Mania. Watkins even performed with his band at the National Pipe Band Competition in Glasgow, Scotland, where they earned the highest rank for an American band.

The Luhrs Center was honored to welcome Watkins to perform, and in addition to his musical achievements it was also an opportunity to share his career successes beyond music. Watkins also joined The Piano Guys for a special reception and dinner with the Luhrs Circle of Friends that evening.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in geography with a concentration in geography information systems (GIS) and now works as an aeronautical information specialist at the Federal Aviation Administration. Watkins said that he “would not be where he is today” without the mentorship of Ship’s faculty. He gave a special shout out to professors Scott Drzyzga and George Pomeroy, for helping him find a passion in geography and for enriching his world view.