Michael Waldrop is a skilled percussionist in jazz and classical idioms. He is an expert in every aspect of percussion performance, but he specializes in drumset and mallet instrument percussion. He is the current Professor of Percussion for Eastern Washington University. At EWU, he teaches jazz drumset and classical percussion. He holds a Bachelors in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas. A Masters in Jazz Studies from Memphis is also his degree. And a Doctorate of Performance from the University of North Texas. His career spans a wide range of styles, including jazz and rock, as well as classical percussionists in solo recital, chamber music, and symphonic settings. He was a member the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band, recorded two CD’s, and was on many tours including the European tour of “42nd Street” and a tour to Turkey with Kamran Ince (Prize di Rome) and his ensemble. He has also performed with Randy Brecker and Maureen McGovern as well as Randy Brecker, Randy Brecker, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Dr. Waldrop was also part of Bob Belden’s Blue Note Recording quartet. He has recorded and played with some of the most renowned percussionists around, including Neboisa Zivkovic, Gordon Stout and Airto. He has recorded on many projects, including the Warner Bros. movie “Christmas Vacation”, national commercial jingles, and two CDs of original jazz (see links below). From 1999 to 2004, Dr. Waldrop was Director of Jazz Studies u0026 Percussion at Mesa State College, Colorado. He was also the Principal Percussionist of the Grand Junction Symphony and Director of the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra while in Colorado. He was Professor of Percussion for the University of Toledo for the past two-years. He was a member of the Faculty Jazz band with Jon Hendricks, a legendary jazz singer. He is currently a member of Jack Cooper’s Jazz Orchestra of the Delta, based in Memphis. He was previously a member of the Spokane-based Bob Curnow Big Band. Dr. Waldrop has had the honor of learning from Ron Fink and Henry Okstel as well as Ed Soph, Gordon Stout and Keith Copeland. He also took masterclasses with Leigh Stevens. He is a clinician and endorser for Vic Firth sticks, mallets and Yamaha percussion instruments. He is available to perform and give clinics in jazz and classical percussion and is also an artist endorser of Vic Firth sticks, mallets and Yamaha percussion. from http://michaelwaldrop.net
