Michael Tran

Michael Tran is currently in his eleventh year as the band director at Inglewood Middle School, where his bands have earned consistent recognition at regional festivals such as Music in the Parks, Lionel Hampton, and Mt. Hood. In 2025, Tran launched the school’s first competitive marching band, making a memorable debut by capturing first place in its inaugural performance. Beyond the band room, Tran performs with the Seattle Symphony Chorale and has served as the school's head basketball coach, leading the girls varsity team to an undefeated district championship in 2019. In that same year, Michael earned the honor of Educator of the Year at his school, receiving it again most recently in 2023.

Before stepping into his current role, Tran worked with many ensembles across the Pacific Northwest and spent three years writing and coordinating for the Central Washington University Marching Band. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in music education and psychology from CWU, where he was involved in a wide range of ensembles and served as a collegiate senator and club president. In 2024, he completed his master’s degree in music education from Eastern Washington University. Tran’s passion for the marching arts began in school before joining the Seattle Cascades and Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps as a lead trumpet player. He served his final year in the activity as Drum Major and later returned to the Cascades, ultimately being promoted to Executive and Corps Director.

Michael currently lives in Redmond, Washington, with his wife and two cats, where they enjoy traveling, attending live events, and exploring the outdoors. He remains passionate about teaching and is always excited to help the next generation of performers grow. He’s thrilled to be a part of the new Grey Wolf Band Project!