Biography

Langford’s contribution to the Gainesville community spans four decades. He was director of the UF Jazz Band for many years, and is most beloved for his passion and leadership in this program. His passion for music at UF extended to the Gator Marching Band, which he led in his capacity as assistant director from 1971 to 1985 and as director from 1985-1996. He has introduced thousands of students to jazz through his popular Jazz History class and has inspired countless musicians and shaped lives through his leadership and mentorship.

Langford is a past president and treasurer of the International Association of Jazz Educators, Florida unit, and was selected as the "Outstanding Jazz Educator" in Florida in 1982-83. He has been thrice honored by UF as the College of Fine Arts’ “Teacher of the Year” and, in 2006, was selected as “Co-Teacher of the Year” for UF. Other honors include the prestigious “Distinguished Service to Music Medal” by Kappa Kapps Psi, the national band fraternity, and being named “College Music Educator of the Year” by the Florida Music Educators Association in 1998. Langford has been a finalist for the UF Alumni Association’s prestigious “Distinguished Professor Award” twice. Langford has served as music director and conductor of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra for more than 20 years and is a founding director and current board member of Gainesville Friends of Jazz, Inc.