Melbern W. Nixon grew up in Oklahoma and graduated
from Pawnee High School. He received his Bachelor of
Music Education degree from Oklahoma State
University and Master's degree from University of
Michigan. He taught in Yale Public Schools, served in
the 525th AAF Band, taught band in El Reno and
Durant, Oklahoma, taught in California and New Mexico,
was Director of Instrumental Music at Southeastern
Oklahoma State University and Emporia State
University. He directed the Symphonic Band at Emporia
State for performances at KMEA, Southwest MENC and
Southwest CBDNA Conventions. He served as
President of Oklahoma Music Educators Association,
Southwest CBDNA, and grand President and Vice
President of Kappa Kappa Psi. He was elected to the
OMEA Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Band Master
Association Hall of Fame. He was elected to the Hall of
Distinction by the Department of Music at Emporia
State University. He taught the Emporia Municipal Band
for eight years following his retirement.