Jim 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.
He is a life member of Florida Bandmaster’s 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.
After graduation from High School Burk went to the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona to study architecture. While there he played in local and regional bands and mentored High School instrumental music students in the Tucson School System.
Returning to Los Angeles after college, he was employed by Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank. While at Lockheed he played lead trombone in the house band under the direction of Benny Goodman’s brother Harry. After about 8 years at the Burbank plant he accepted an assignment that kept him moving around the country and often away from home for extended periods so he put his horn away for a while.
After retiring from Lockheed in 1998 he started playing again in earnest. He’s played with The Recycles, the Shrine Swing Band, the All Star Orchestra and he and his wife, Carol own and operate a local 15 piece dance band, the Fascinating Rhythm Orchestra. He also works with Band Directors in Duval, Clay and St. Johns county’s on their Jazz Band programs and lectures at many elementary schools in the area. He has been a member of the Clay County Community Band for 19 years and is the founder and director of the Clay County Swing Band which he has led for the last 17 years. He has also served as President and Vice President of the Band and is currently the Grant Writer for the Band.
Among his other interests, in addition to his wonderful and supporting wife, Burk lists bandleader Glenn Miller, seascape and landscape painting in oils, wood working, model railroading, reading and Little League Baseball.
She went back to school and graduated from Chatham College with a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies in 2004 and moved back to the Sunshine state. She currently works in Orange Park.
Cheryl and her husband Alan, who married in 2006, live on the Southside.
They have a son Brandon and granddaughter Mia who reside in Alabama. When she is not working or performing, Cheryl enjoys photography, swimming, looking for shark’s teeth at the beach, snow skiing out West and traveling the world.
Trombone is actually Cheryl’s 3rd instrument. She started piano lessons in 1st grade, violin in 4th grade and trombone in 7th grade. Cheryl says she stayed with the trombone because it is the most fun to play. She also likes being the only female in the section.
Her first experience conducting was when her high school band director let her direct the concert band her senior year. She feels it is an honor to be able to conduct the CCCB and is grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves in life.
A member of the U.S.A.F. band in Washington, D.C. for 4 years. He is a professional musician playing clarinet,sax. and flute. Dixieland jazz is a favorite.
He is a licensed pilot and has built several experimental aircraft. A member of the CCCB for 10 years. The band has performed many of his compositions and arrangements. WD4RHM is his amateur radio call sign. In addition to his musical activities he enjoys playing golf and flying Radio control model planes.
As a music major, Cassie served as Vice-President of her chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity (Indiana State) and President of Sigma Alpha Iota National Women’s Music Fraternity (Murray State), in addition to performing in numerous ensembles. She graduated from Murray State University in KY in 2007 with a Bachelors of Music Education, having majored on oboe. She is a woodwind specialist, and enjoys both instrumental and vocal conducting
Upon graduation, Cassie began her teaching career in Clay County. She is currently the Music Specialist at Tynes Elementary where she teaches vocal and instrumental music, as well as musical theatre. Cassie is honored to have been selected as a district finalist for Clay County Teacher of the Year 2016.
Cassie is grateful for the opportunity to play with CCCB to make music with other “adults” in the midst of sharing her love of music with her students. Favorite musical memories include performing in the Murray State Racer Marching Band (over 200 members strong!), choreographing the musical Fame, playing a ragtime oboe piece on her senior recital, and directing the adult & children's community choir during Christmas in Clay County.
When she’s not making music, Cassie loves to spend time with her husband and son, reads avidly, and attends many Broadway musicals. The Crosby family makes their home on Lake Asbury.