Bob Watkins

Bob’s passion for music began at an early age, as his father was an avid musician.  When he was 5 years old, he convinced his parents to begin trumpet lessons, even though his stature was yet too small to hold a horn.  With his dad’s guidance, he began playing with just a mouthpiece until his arms grew long and strong enough to hold a cornet.  Through both private and school trumpet lessons, his skill developed, and later he added piano lessons to widen his musical knowledge. 

In his teens Bob was blessed to be accepted as a student of renowned trumpeter, Stephen Chenette.  Mr. Chenette  later went on to play in Minnesota Orchestra, Boston Pops, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Denver Symphony , and during those lessens Bob gained a vision for excellence that helped form his musical commitment. 

It was in the early 1960’s that Bob had the opportunity to begin playing the vibraphone.  His dad purchased a three-octave Jenco vibraphone, which has survived and remains in Bob’s studio to this day.  Along the way, Bob designed and built a unique amplification system for the vibes, which gives it a more modern sound and allows for playing and recording without the use microphones. 

Bob has played in several big bands and orchestras including the University of Buffalo Big Band, Dick Mertle Big Band, the Akron Big Band, the Chapel in Akron Orchestra and the NEO Jazz Orchestra, where he also spent several years as director. 

Today, in retirement, Bob has focused his efforts on music recording of his own compositions, along with offering on-site recording services for select local bands.  In addition to his musical interests, Bob is an accomplished and published photographer, holds an advanced ham radio license and enjoys restoring classic cars and boats.  Bob and his wife Martha live in Northeast Ohio with 2 cats, both of which were rescued, and are now spoiled to the core.