I'm a sophomore in high school and have been marching alto sax, but am switching to mellophone next year for several reasons. One is to have a chance to march drum corps, another is just a challenge to further myself as a musician. I've only been practicing mello for about two days now, but already have gotten pretty decent on it. Like most of you have said its a good compromise instrument and fairly easy to learn, and for me as an alto sax player, i'm usually playing the same part.