Joey A. Payton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1989 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After successful completion of recruit training and then Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, Private First Class Payton proceeded to the Basic Musician Course at the Armed Forces School of Music, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia.
Completing the six month course on an accelerated two week schedule, PFC Payton graduated, was promoted, then assigned for duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California as a flutist with the band. In September 1992, Lance Corporal Payton was promoted to Corporal and in 1993 transferred to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan. During that tour, Cpl Payton served in a variety of billets including: Embarkation Non-Commissioned Officer, Concertmaster, Woodwind group leader, and Flute section leader. Setting sights on higher leadership responsibilities, Sgt Payton requested orders back to the School of Music to attend the Section Leaders Course in Jan of 1996. Once again, Sgt Payton was an early graduate of training. In July of 1996, Sgt Payton was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and subsequently screened and accepted as a Platoon Sgt/Troop Handler for the Marine Element at the School of Music. During this period, SSgt Payton was responsible for the military training and the general welfare of over 350 Basic Music Course Marines. SSgt Payton served in this capacity until Oct of 1996 when he was screened and accepted as a Music Theory and Ear Training Instructor. During his tenure as an academics instructor, SSgt Payton set a School record by maintaining a zero percent attrition rate among his students.
In Oct of 1998, SSgt Payton beat the competition and was accepted to fill the vacancy for the sole Armed Forces Flute Instructor billet. SSgt Payton served his billet until requesting a seat in the July 2000 Enlisted Bandleader Course. Upon graduation in Dec 2000, SSgt Payton was transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA for duty. During that tour, SSgt Payton served as the Assistant Enlisted Bandleader, Platoon Guide, Concertmaster, Woodwind group leader, Flute section leader and the Fiscal Staff Non-Commissioned Officer. In Nov 2002, SSgt Payton was selected for the new Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 5519, Enlisted Conductor. In March of 2003, SSgt Payton was transferred to his current duty station, the 1st Marine Division for duty as the Enlisted Conductor.
Band Officer - CWO3 Michael W. Edmonson
Bandmaster -
MGySgt Steve R. Schweitzer
Drum Major - SSgt William P. Kanteres II
Small Ensemble Leader - Yaphet K. Jones
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