Gaylen A. Hatton
From College of Fine Arts and Communications
Contents |
Early Life
Gaylen A. Hatton was born on October 4, 1928 to Glen A. Hatton and Eva Pearl Wolfe Hatton.
His musical career began at the age of four, drumming with his parent's jazz band. Hatton continued to develop his abilities and career, taking a short break from 1951 to 1953 in order to serve his country in the Armed Forces. He served in Germany and France.
Education
After returning from his military service, Hatton resumed his musical career and studies. In 1954 he graduated with a Master's degree in music from BYU. Nearly a decade later, in 1963, he completed his Ph.D. is composition at the University of Utah.
Career
Over the span of his career, Hatton built an eclectic resume, performing throughout the country and with a number of organizations. His credits include eight seasons with the Utah Symphony Orchestra (playing French horn under Maestro Maurice Abravanel), the Sacramento Symphony, and the orchestra for Ballet West. Hatton was also a member of BYU’s Orpheus Woodwind Quintet, Brassworks, and others.
Awards and Honors
During his lifetime, Hatton received orchestral commissions from several prestigious ensembles including the Utah Symphony Orchestra, Sacramento Symphony, Sacramento Civic Ballet, Rire-Woodbury Dance Company, the National Endowment for the Arts, and many others.
Hatton was selected as a member of the Utah Arts Council Music Committee and the General Music Committee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Family and Personal Life
On August 6, 1958, Gaylen married his sweetheart ballerina, Marianne Johnson in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised four children.
Hatton was devoted to the church, and served throughout his life. His church service included being a bishop, a branch president, chorister, organist, and Primary pianist. He served, with his wife, as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple.
Gaylen Hatton died on February 8, 2008.
