Most of the original Ulster fifers were of Flemish descent. He was also active in the executive committee of the Connecticut Fifers and Drummers Association. Companies consisted of lieutenants, ensigns, sergeants, corporals, privates, drummers and fifers. Company officers included lieutenants, ensigns, sergeants, corporals, and privates/drummers/fifers. In Tests, he was most successful against England taking eight fifers. As many fifers and drummers as possible were assembled to play the ritual. Men, women and children participate in the unit as musketmen, drummers, fifers and assorted characters. Each company in an infantry regiment was assigned two fifers and two drummers. He always played for winning Scotland sides while with the Fifers. On 27 May 2019, Higgins signed for the "Fifers" on a permanent basis. Two Australian bowlers also picked-up fifers in the same match. His composition "Doodletown Fifers" was one of the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra's best-known originals. The US Marines were the last American units to drop fifers from their rolls.