Palmer Hartley is a multi-faceted and multi award-winning Composer, trumpet player, and arranger based out of Athens Georgia. Hartley's career includes a multitude of original works and arrangements for ensembles ranging from orchestra, chamber ensembles, jazz bands, synthesized works, choir, to major collegiate bands such as the UGA Redcoat Band. Hartley is also experienced in music education and direction, teaching high school band camps, collegiate band camps, high school choir, reading sessions, rehearsals, and performances of his own works.

In addition to his composition and teaching career, Palmer is a prolific Trumpet player. Hartley studied under the mentorship of Dr. Brandon Craswell, Mr. Philip Smith, Mr. Chuck Arnold, and Mr. Travis Boyette. He has been involved with groups such as the Grammy-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird, UGA British Brass Band, UGA Symphony Orchestra, UGA Wind Ensemble, UGA Wind Symphony (Principal Trumpet 2024), UGA Redcoat Band (Battle Hymn Soloist for the 2025 season), UGA BCM Desert Theatre (Lead Trumpet & Flugelhorn), and many Church Ensembles.

Hartley gives credit to God regarding his opportunities. Hartley states that one of the most influential moments of God in his life was during his audition for battle hymn, when the voice of God overwhelmed him, telling him that he did not need to play a second time during the audition, yet he disobeyed and subsequently failed. Hartley said the audition was to teach him how to obey God, and to not rush into things, rather be slow and wait on God. In the Audition he won, he ended up being constantly in prayer, asking for peace and for God's will to be done, thus learning how to walk in faith.