* Name, Instrument: Billy Orton, Bass Trombone (sometimes euphonium)
Native of: Greenville, KY
Education: Western Kentucky University (Bachelors in Music Education) The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Masters in Church Music) Graduated with honors from both institutions.
Career Path: Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church, Huntsville (previously at Columbia Baptist in Falls Church, FBC in Bowling Green, KY, and Northwest Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC)
Other Musical Organizations: Conductor of the Huntsville Community Chorus (Symphonic Chorus and Chamber Chorale); free-lance bass trombonist for area groups; conductor and performer with various regional musical groups; chorus master for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
About Billy: Since realizing that he would likely not be able to make a living as a basketball player, Billy followed his calling into church music and has had the privilege to serve leading churches in several states as Minister of Music. He has been able to maintain an active brass-playing career throughout his ministerial career and continues to be in demand as a teacher/clinician/conductor/performer/leader, working with Baptist All-State groups, choral and instrumental conferences, and various musical organizations at all levels (church, community, school and professional). He most recently served as elected national vice-president of the Baptist Church Music Conference and as guest conductor for both the All-County SSA Chorus of Madison County (AL) and for the elite All-City Chorus of the Huntsville City School System.
