Mr. Horton taught instrumental lessons, band, and general classroom music in the William Floyd School District for 34 years. He founded the first high school jazz band and the first jazz band at Nathaniel Woodhull. Additionally, he directed the high school marching band for football and parades, participated in Hofstra marching band festivals, and arranged and traveled on many band exchange trips. Travel necessitated lots of fundraisers especially for the Disney trip with high school bands and their opportunity to participate in the iconic parade on Main Street USA. 

With support from the Board of Education, an original work was commissioned for the high school bands by widely acclaimed composer, Vaclav Nelhybell entitled “Overture for Band,” which premiered at William Floyd in 1985.

During his tenure at William Floyd, Mr. Horton and his students earned many top honors at NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) competitions: at the high school they earned 13 consecutive 6A ratings and at Nathaniel Woodhull they earned seven gold with distinction ratings, including a perfect rating in 1994, “Best in State.” Also in 1994, Mr. Horton was voted “Teacher of the Year” by Nathaniel Woodhull faculty.

In 2016, Mr. Horton was named an “Outstanding Educator” by the William Floyd Alumni Association.