Professor Emeritus of Music at The University of Findlay, Jack M. Taylor retired in 2020 after 40 years of service as Director of Bands at that institution. He holds a BS Degree in Music Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania and an MM degree in Jazz Performance from Yale University. He currently taught courses in Jazz History and Composition. He also conducted the university Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands as well as the Findlay Civic Concert Band. He was the founder of The Oiler Brass Marching Band, Findlay Civic Jazz (big band) and the Flag City USA Civic Concert Band, the touring arm of the community concert bands in Findlay. Taylor has been a recipient of the David Allen, UF Arch and University of Findlay Awards for outstanding teaching and service to the university. He is a two-time winner of the Shiv and Elizabeth Gupta award for teaching. He holds letters of commendation from 3 mayors in Findlay, from the Ohio House of Representatives, and from former Ohio Governor, George Voinovich. Under his direction, bands from Findlay have performed extensively throughout the United States and have appeared overseas presenting concerts in Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Germany, Hawaii, New Zealand, Scotland, and Switzerland. He has been named to the Wall of Fame at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts in Findlay and the Curtain Raisers Wall of Fame at The University of Findlay.

As a composer and arranger, Taylor’s music can be found in the libraries of many educational, civic, and professional instrumental ensembles in the United States and abroad. He has received commissions to write for Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Show Choirs, as well as solo/chamber instrumental works. In 1996, his Flag City March was proclaimed the Official March of the City of Findlay. In April of 2001, Taylor premiered a suite in 10 movements for band, organist, and narrator entitled “Hymnal.” Four of his arrangements and compositions can be heard on an album by the Toledo Jazz Orchestra entitled “Groovin.”

In addition to his work as an educator and composer, Taylor has appeared with jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Manhattan Transfer, Jack Sheldon, Slam Stewart, Clark Terry, Bennie Carter, Jiggs Wiggam, Bill Evans, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Dianne Schurr, Bill Watrous, and others. He has also performed with pop artists including Bobby Vinton, Frankie Laine, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons, Glenn Campbell, Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, the Coasters, the Four Freshmen, Olivia Newton John, Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau and others. He remains active as a free lance jazz reed player and keyboardist appearing with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the Jack Taylor Quartet and other local professional groups.