Melissa Sawyer

D.M.A University of Kansas; M.M. New Mexico State University; B.M.E. University of Oklahoma

Dr. Melissa Sawyer is Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Kansas, where she serves as conductor of the KU Wind Symphony and Assistant Director of the Marching Jayhawks. At KU, she teaches courses in conducting and music education, serves as the School of Music Scholarship Coordinator, and is Assistant Director of the University of Kansas Midwestern Music Camp.

An active conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Dr. Sawyer regularly works with middle school, high school, collegiate, and community ensembles throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Iowa, and Texas. She is a proud member of Crossroads Wind Symphony, where she recently served as Assistant Producer for the ensemble's latest recording and now serves as Associate Conductor.

A native of Edmond, Oklahoma, Dr. Sawyer has taught instrumental music at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels across Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, and Kansas. Prior to joining the University of Kansas faculty, she served as Assistant Director of Bands at New Mexico State University, where she worked with the Pride of New Mexico Marching Band and conducted the Symphonic Band. She later joined the faculty at Benedictine College as Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music, directing athletic bands, conducting the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, and coordinating the music education program.

Dr. Sawyer is an active advocate for music education and leadership development, presenting clinics for students and educators and serving as a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout the region. Her professional interests include conducting pedagogy, leadership education, commissioning and performing new works for wind band, and fostering meaningful partnerships with school music programs.

Dr. Sawyer earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Kansas under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Popiel, the Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from New Mexico State University, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma. She is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians and music educators through innovative rehearsal pedagogy, engaging performances, meaningful leadership development, and a commitment to creating inclusive, student-centered environments where musical excellence and personal growth thrive.