Kate Layton (she/her)

Tuba - Music Educator

Hailing from the Chicago land area, Kate Layton is the band, choir, and music director in the Marked Tree School District. Graduating from Western Illinois in the spring of 2024, with her degrees in music education and tuba performance, Mrs. Layton spent her student teaching at Libertyville High School and Mechanics Grove Elementary in Mundelein, Illinois. While studying with Dr. James Land, Mrs. Layton was a member of the Western Illinois Music Education Association and was a highly active member of Mu Phi Epsilon. In her summer times, Mrs. Layton spends her time working at the prestigious Interlochen Fine Arts Camp. 

Currently, Mrs. Layton performs with Grind City Brass Band and Jonesboro Community Wind Ensemble. Mrs. Layton has performed in Master Classes by David Zurkel from the University of Michigan, Chris Darling from the University of Washington, Steven Darling from the University of Tennessee Martin, and Steven Kunzar from the University of Auburn. In her time at Western she has been a member of the Leatherneck Brass Quintet, Brass Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Polka Band.