Come December 2007, Melissa will be graduating with a Music Education degree from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She achieved the prestigious role of Principal Euphonium in the NMSU Symphonic Winds for 3 years. She has taught many high school band programs in the New Mexico area, along with the Pride of NMSU marching band.

Melissa's drum corps career began with the Blue Knights drum and bugle corps from Denver, Colorado, where she dedicated 4 years. In the summer of 2007, she competed in DCI's Individual and Ensemble and received the gold medal in the baritone caption.