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Alfred Watkins
Alfred Watkins

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Dr. Alfred L. Watkins is Co-Musical Director and Conductor of the Cobb Wind Symphony. He is former Director of Bands at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia for 31 years. Mr. Watkins is a 1976 graduate of Florida A&M University. In 2022, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate from the VanderCook College of Music. His bands have earned the Sudler Flag of Honor, Sudler Shield, and Sudler Silver Scroll and have performed at 32 invitational concert band events. He has conducted All-State High School Bands in 27 states and has worked with bands in 38 states.

Ensembles under Dr. Watkins’ batons have performed Midwest Band Clinic (five times), MFA National Festival (six times), GMEA. Convention (six times) and the NBA Convention. The Lassiter Trojan Marching Band has performed in Rose Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They are the 2-time Bands of America Grand National Champions and winner of nine Bands of America Regionals. The Lassiter Winter Color Guard was named the 2-time Winter Guard International World Champions and the Lassiter Percussion Ensemble performed at the GMEA Convention, MFA National Percussion Festival twice and won the PAS “Call for Tapes” in 2007.

Dr. Watkins is a member of the ABA, FAMU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni, CS Institute Hall of Fame, BOA Hall of Fame, MBDNA Hall of Fame, and has received the Edwin Franko Goldman Award from ASBDA. He has received the KKY “Distinguished Service to Music Award” and was the PBM “International Bandmaster of the Year in 2020.” He was awarded the “2022 Outstanding Conductor Award” by the Association of Community Bands. He has received 27 Certificates of Excellence from the NBA, the Sudler Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and the Band World Magazine Legion of Honor Award. Dr. Watkins is a Co-Founder of MBDNA and is on the Advisory Boards of the Midwest Clinic and Association of Concert Bands.

The $1.5 million Alfred L. Watkins Band Building at Lassiter High School bears his name.