Meet the Staff - Melissa Primavera, Brass Instructor

The following is another installment in our "Meet the Staff" blog series intended to introduce you to the instructors you will meet at our upcoming BEX Audition Events. In this week's post, we are excited to highlight our fantastic brass instructor Melissa Primavera.

Where are you from?

I'm originally from Connecticut, but I grew up in Las Cruces, NM

Tell us about your drum corps background and experience.

I marched 4 years of Blue Knights ( 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007), taught as a baritone/euphonium technician at Blue Stars (08-10), Oregon Crusaders (13), and was the Brass Caption Coordinator for an open class corps from Myrtle Beach, SC (Coastal Surge). I also performed in the broadway show Blast! in 2011-12 which toured USA, South Korea, and Japan.

In all of the shows you have been involved in as a performer and instructor, which was your favorite and why?

My favorite show as an instructor was 2010 Blue Stars' "Houdini". There was something about adding the element of magic to a drum corps show that really spoke to me (and the audience!). The collaboration of the staff and members, along with the show concept, drill design, choreography, choice of music made that 'magic' a reality on the field.

How did you get hooked on the activity?

My first BK camp had me hooked. Every show I performed or attended, there was something that I learned or appreciated. Most of all - it was the amazing people who are involved with this activity that made me (and continue to inspire me) want to come back.

What should students and fans expect from The Battalion brass in 2016?

An appreciation that the marching arts activity is spreading around the country (and the world)...in places you wouldn't expect ;) I envision many great sounds, characters, and messages being made from the Battalion Brass. This is only the beginning....!!!