Michelle Acton enjoys an active music life of many styles, including wind band, big band, chamber ensembles, and rock. Her primary job is as a member of the United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” She also is a member of Great Noise Ensemble, a DC-based group that champions the performance of contemporary music. In addition to these commitments, she has performed on numerous occasions with the Washington Saxophone Quartet and the Chesapeake Orchestra and Big Band, and she has played with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and others. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University and a Master of Music Performance from the University of North Texas.