Gary Gazley was born in Pueblo, Colorado in 1952. He grew up in Pinellas County, Fl. and began studying piano at the age of five. He attended Madeira Beach Jr. High School (Paul T Nicholson - dir.), and Seminole High School – (Edward J. McSheehy - dir.). The encouraging influence of both of these men in his life is the reason he chose a career as a music teacher. In 1970, through the encouragement of his high school band director, he entered and won the Florida Bandmasters Association’s Henry Fillmore Composition Award.
Gazlay attended the University of South Florida, and after graduating from college in 1974 with a B.A. in Music Education, he moved to Madison where he began his teaching career in the Madison County Florida Public School System.
He has taught music in Madison County for the past 42 years at the adult level (First Methodist Church and Fellowship Baptist Church), as well as the high school, middle school and elementary levels. Gazlay loved teaching instrumental music in the Madison County Public School System and for 35 years had the privilege of witnessing the amazing changes that took place in the lives of children as they learned to express themselves through music.
Gazlay is an author of six books and has had over 50 of his musical compositions published by various music publishers. The states of Alabama, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas have included at least one of his band compositions on their music lists for Concert Band Festival Assessment.
Gary and his wife, and best friend, Betty have been married for 34 years and have two daughters, Kim Hutto and Kelle Setser of Valdosta, Ga.; two son in-laws, three grandsons, one great grandson, six cats, three dogs and various other critters that wander up to eat leftover cat food. He also has two sisters, Sandi Dorsey of Madison, and Nancy Arias of Scottsdale, Ariz. and their families, who have all shared in his memorable journey.
He plans to spend time with Betty, compose music, write books, continue to develop new musical string instruments that he has designed, fish and play in the dirt.
Gazley realizes that any awards or recognition that he has received throughout his lifetime are the direct result of God blessing him through the positive impact and influence of his family, friends, students, and parents, as well as the wonderful citizens from his “hometown” of Madison County.
Please join the community in celebrating your best memory, of your band experience or personal relationship with Gary. Stop by Sunday, June 5 from 2-4 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall.