Paxton M. Girtmon holds a Bachelor of Music Education with honors, a Master of Music Ed., with honors, from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA, and a Doctoral of Musical Arts, in conducting, from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS.
Shortly after moving to Georgia, Dr. Girtmon became the Associate Director of Bands, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA, where he directed the Fort Valley State University Symphonic Winds and co-directed The "Blue Machine" Marching Band and Pep Band.
Dr. Girtmon was Assistant Professor of Music, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX,(1998-2001). There he governed over world renowned "Ocean of Soul" Marching Band, directed the Texas Southern University Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Saxophone Choir. The Texas Southern University Wind Ensemble, under the baton of Dr. Girtmon performed at the 2001 National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music(NASPAAM), in Birmingam, AL.
Dr. Girtmon was Associate Director of Bands/Coordinator of Music Education, and Assistant Professor of Music at Jackson State University. A few of Dr. Girtmon's duties include conducting The University Concert Band, The University Woodwind Ensemble, and drill design for The World renowned "Sonic Boom of the South" Marching Band. Also, supervising student teachers, being Advisor for MENC, as well as, teaching instrumental method courses and instruction, also undergraduate and graduate level conducting courses.
Dr. Girtmon is currently Director of Bands/Associate Professor of Music-Belhaven College. Dr. Girtmon oversees all ascepts of the Marching, Pep, and Concert Bands, as well as, the large and small ensembles in the spring terms.
Dr. Girtmon has also published several articles and compositions: 1) "Julian Cassander Work: One of the Few, the Proud, the Twentieth-Century, African-American, Impressionist Composers of Wind Band Literature." - The National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS), Fine Arts 2000 Monograph Series (Copyright 2000) and 2) "A Biographical and Analytical Study on Julian Cassander Work and his Compositions." - Dr. Estrella's Abridged Dictionary of Composers (Copyright 2000). 3) "We Shall Not Be Moved," Portraits of the Bible: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego," by Julian Cassander Work: One of America's Forgotten Twentieth-Century African-American Impressionist Composers of Wind Band Literature."-Fine Arts 2001 Monograph Series-(Copyright 2001.) 4) "Autumn Walk: A Musical Portrait"-Fine Arts 2002 Monogragh Series-NAAAS (Copyright 2002.) 5) "Ulysses Kay: The Man and his Musical Craft: 1917-1995." - Dr. Estrella's Abridged Dictionary of Composers (Copyright 2002). Dr. ESTRELLA'S ABRIDGED DICTIONARY OF COMPOSERS 6)"Hallelujah Chorus-Messiah" "While by the Sheep We Watched by Night" (Copyright 2007)." Wehr's Music House
Dr. Girtmon has performed professionally with the Shreveport Symphony and NorthwesternNatchitoches Symphony where he performed with Jazz legend Pete Fountain, the world renowned Ray Charles, and former "Tonight Show's" band leader, "Doc" Serverson.
Dr. Girtmon is a member of The College Music Society; The National Association of the Study and Performance of African-American Music(NASPAAM); The National Association for African-American Studies(NAAAS); Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternity; Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Fraternity; Blue Key National Honor Fraternity; Music Educators National Conference(MENC); Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and various other fraternal and service organizations.
Dr. Girtmon frequently lecturers on African-American music, especially Twentieth-Century composers and their compositions. His recent lectures were for the National Association for African-American Studies(NAAAS) and the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music(NASPAAM). Dr. Girtmon has an active conducting schedule and is a frequent honor band clinician and adjudicator for concert band events.
Dr. Girtmon was also selected for induction into "2006" Marquis' 7th ed. of Who's Who in American Education and the "2006" 60th ed. of Who's Who in America for significant and scholary contributions and achievements to his profession. Dr. Girtmon is nominated for the 2007 "26th" ed. of Who's Who in the World. This registry will chronicle leaders and erudite professors, representing over 215 countries and territories globally, in every significant field of endeavor; such as education, business, science, government, politics, medicine and technology..
Dr. Girtmon's most precious and valuable treasures are his wife Reca and children: Lauren, Calvin, Jace and Georgia.
