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 12th grade. After returning to FSU and earning a Masters of 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 Orange Park 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 Orchestra 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 his leisure time hobby of tennis several times weekly. He has been a resident of Orange Park with his wife, Norma, since 1975. They currently reside in Loch Rane and enjoy time together for gardening, home improvement projects, traveling and their role as grandparents.