05/26/2026
Summer Staff: Where Are They Now?
Dr. Michelle Colton is a Toronto-based percussionist, educator, and composer who is originally from Marion, Iowa. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree with Teacher Certification from the University of Iowa and her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Toronto, where she currently directs the Percussion Preparatory Department and is a Sessional Lecturer in Percussion. In the Toronto District School Board, she conducts steelpan ensembles at multiple schools, and is also a freelance percussionist who has performed throughout Asia, Europe, North and Central America. She often performs with the Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet of Canada, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, TO Live, and her duo, Oregano Percussion. She can be heard on recordings such as her solo album Unpredictable Nature, Arlington, and two JUNO Award-winning albums, Detach, and Turangalîla-Symphonie. She serves as the Ontario Percussive Arts Society President and is an artist with Pearl Drums/Adams Musical Instruments and Dream Cymbals. She enjoys songwriting, being in nature, sailing, and spending time with her husband and two kids.
“Camp had a big impact on me since a young age. I first attended the You-And-Me camp in elementary school with my dad who had to try and figure out how to put my hair in a ponytail for the first time! I looked forward to going to camp each summer, making strong bonds with campers and counselors and deepening my faith connection in a beautiful and meaningful place surrounded by nature. In high school, I did Leaders-In-Training and then had the amazing experience of being on staff for two summers in 2002 and 2003. From Horse Thief Cave stories to silly talent shows to playing the djembe drum around the campfire, I will never forget the good memories from my time at camp.”
