Mr. Layton is honored to have served as Conductor Emeritus and President of the Clay County Community Band since 2009 following his tenure as the principal conductor for the previous ten years. Under his direction and guidance the band grew from 18 members, performing 1-2 times per year, to the present organization, including 70 members, who perform 8-10 times annually throughout the community. Since December of 2008, Clay County Community Band has been a featured performing group at the Thrasher Horne Center for the Performing Arts for Clay County Christmas productions. 

Mr. Layton is currently retired from a successful career of 35 years in music education bringing the thrill of band music to over 7000 children. With his bachelor's degree from Florida State University, he began his career in Heard County, Georgia in 1973 where he taught band from 3rd grade through 12 grade. After returning to FSU and earning a Masters in Music Education in 1975, Layton spent the next 34 years here in Clay County at Lakeside Middle/Jr. High School teaching band to 6-9th graders. During those years, bands under his direction earned superior or excellent ratings, best in class, 1st or 2nd place and espirit de corp awards in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Mr. Layton is a life member of Florida Bandmasters Association and Music Educators Association, and has served as an adjudicator in Florida for band festivals and solo and ensemble festivals. In addition, during his tenure with Clay County Schools, Layton served as the Clay County Honor Band coordinator for ten years tripling the student participation involving junior and senior high school students.

In retirement since 2009, Mr. Layton continues his active membership in Asbury United Methodist Church where he serves as an usher coordinator, a member of the United Methodist Men, and a member of the church orchestra. His music involvement  reaches further into the greater community as he volunteers as an active member and part-time conductor of the Recycles Band performing weekly in various nursing homes, schools, retirement communities and other venues. He has also performed with the Ancient City Brass Band focusing on music of the Civil War Era; First Coast Wind Ensemble; and the St. John's Cathedral Brass Quintet in Residence. Even on vacation, he takes his musical volunteer spirit with him to western Maryland performing with the Garrett County Community Band in July and October! In addition to his work in music, he volunteers with The Clothes Closet of Orange Park on a regular basis. Between rehearsals, performances and his volunteer schedule, Layton enjoys times together with his wife for gardening, home improvement projects, traveling and their role as grandparents.