At UNT and in the elite military bands in which they play, these College of Music alumni all say they've had some amazing experiences during their college and professional careers. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Michelle Acton ('03): Some of the most memorable experiences I have had in "Pershing's Own" are marching down Pennsylvania Avenue during President Obama's inaugurations, standing outside the Capitol to play during President Ford's funeral, playing for the arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and performing in the Norwegian Military Tattoo.
• James Kazik ('00): If you see the vice president on CSPAN and see a band in the background, it's probably "Pershing's Own." I have worked with celebrities here and there – Kenny Loggins, Lou Rawls, Louise Mandrell. But, working with celebrities is less of a star-struck thing and more about the guest artist coming to work with the band.
• Emily Dickson ('98): When we played at a holiday reception at the White House for President George W. Bush, he carried on a long conversation with me about being from Texas. It was surreal!
• Jim Logan ('88): When I was in high school in Marshalltown, Iowa, I had a friend who told me about the incredible music program at UNT. I surprised my parents by buying a Greyhound bus ticket – a 27-hour bus ride – and told them I was going to visit the campus.
• Tracey MacDonald ('01): Being a student under the direction of Eugene Corporon changed my life. I still remember coming off stage after each Wind Symphony concert and how he would shake our hands and thank us. It was amazing to make great music and feel valued and appreciated.
• Stacy Newbrough Ascione ('97): Last year, we started working with the Honor Flight Network, which brings World War II and other veterans to Washington, D.C., to tour the monuments. While they are here, we perform for them. It's one of the coolest things we've done.
• Ryan McGeorge ('04): At UNT, I felt like I could do anything and it didn't matter that I played euphonium. Now, I'm not afraid to jump into any music style. But, my biggest claim to fame is being the first person to ever play jazz euphonium in the Marine Band at the White House. I'm proud of that.
• Greg Ridlington ('95): When President Clinton was leaving office, the military threw a big farewell. I was asked to do an R&B sax solo. I hung up the phone and thought, "What in the world have I gotten myself into?" It aired on CSPAN. Some musicians get to be on MTV, but I got to be on CSPAN with President Clinton.
• Sean Nelson ('10): I had a lot of really great experiences at UNT. One of them was going on tour with the One O'Clock Lab Band in Ireland and England. I remember signing autographs after a concert, and meanwhile I was thinking, "You know I play trombone, right?"
• Andrew Layton ('99): Our band is a bit different than the others because we're a full-time touring band. We play 100 to 120 concerts a year. We've played on The Colbert Report and in January 2009 we got to play for Dave Brubeck. We've also played for the president and that is very special.