Kobie, a Chicago native, began his journey as a child listening to and watching his father, Alious C. Watkins, play drums in church. Kobie began with pots, pans and a spoon as a toddler. He has been able to develop a system of discipline and structure that he can use for music and other life skills. He has progressed into who he is today– professional drummer/percussionist and music educator. Kobie went to Vandercook College of Music to study all aspects of the percussion family. He was inspired by his teachers Marc Jacoby (vibraphonist/mallet) and Kevin Lepper, a percussionist. Kobie spent his extracurricular time learning percussion and other instruments and playing jazz standards with Dennis Winslett, an alto saxophonist. Kobie was also a regular performer in local cabaret and theatre shows. Kobie was a member of the Walt Disney World American All-Star Band in Magic Kingdom (Orlando FL) in 1998. Kobie graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education in 1999. He was a music teacher and band leader at public schools. By night, he performed gigs throughout Chicagoland and the United States. Kobie became the “Swing Master” in Chicago. Kobie was featured in a Joliet, Illinois newspaper called “Herald”. -Kobie earned his Masters of Music in Jazz Pedagogy from Northwestern University. Kobie is a mentor, drummer, and percussionist who has built strong relationships with his peers from the Jazz, Latin and Gospel communities. He is a true believer in music and has a long list o great musicians he has recorded and played with, including Sonny Rollins and Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano and Curtis Fuller, Bob Mintzer and Jim Hall. Kim Burrell (Glory singer), R
