Payton Littler is a music education major at Sanford University studying flute under Lisa Weinhold, the principal flutist of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. At Samford, Payton participates in the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, she played flute and piccolo in the opera Die Fledermaus in 2025, and she is currently the principal flutist and piccolo player for the musical Oklahoma in 2026. Before coming to Samford, Payton participated in the Pinellas All-County Band for six years, she participated in the Florida All-State Honor Band for two years, and she played flute and piccolo for her high school's productions of Cinderella, Mary Poppins, and The Music Man. Additionally, Payton was the drum major in her high school's marching band during her junior and senior years. Payton believes music is able to bring joy, comfort, and purpose to people's lives. She aspires to give others the opportunity to experience music with positive, constructive assistance so they can grow into the musicians they strive to be. Payton teaches flute at the Samford University Academy of the Arts.