For release: December 6, 2010
For press information, contact Carol Morse (901) 678-2279

Michael Waldrop, U of M alumnus and accomplished percussionist/drummer in both classical and jazz music, will perform at the U of M's Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music on January 24 at 7:30 p.m.. Admission to the event in Harris Concert Hall is free.

Waldrop, assistant professor of percussion at Eastern Washington University, is the principal percussionist with the Coeur D'Alene Symphony and leads his own trio, Triangularity, as well as the salsa group Mamblues.
Waldrop's career has been extensive and varied, ranging from rock and jazz styles to performances with two major symphonies in the United States and abroad. He was a member of the Grammy nominated One O'Clock Lab Band and recorded two CD's with the group, and was also a member of Blue Note Recording artist, Bob Belden's quartet.

He has been on several tours, including a European tour of the Broadway production "42nd Street," and a tour of Turkey with Prix di Rome prize-winning composer, Kamran Ince, and his ensemble. In addition, Waldrop has performed with Maureen McGovern, Della Reese, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Eliane Elias and Slide Hampton. Furthermore he has played and recorded with many of the greatest percussionists in the world including Gordon Stout, Neboisa Zivkovic and Airto.

Waldrop holds a bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas, a master's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Memphis and a doctorate in Performance from the University of North Texas. He has been a professional musician for the past 25 years.