Russell J. Colton received his Bachelor in Music degree in Composition from Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, and his Masters of Music degree in Viola form Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

He taught for 32 years for the Binghamton school District as a string instrument specialist and retired in June 1995.

Mr. Colton performed with the BC Pops, Binghamton Symphony Orchestra, Downtown Singers, and other local groups. He conducted the Junior Symphony since its inception in 1967.

Mr. Colton died unexpectedly on May 16, 2008.  He will be deeply missed by his colleagues and students alike.