melDrum circles
Through melDrum Circles, William facilitates immersive rhythmic experiences designed for groups of up to 25 participants. Providing all necessary instrumentation—including Djembes, Doumbeks, and traditional percussion—William guides teams through the aural and oral traditions of non-Western composition. By mastering intricate Middle Eastern rhythms such as the Beledi, Gawazi, Masmoudi, and Ayoub, participants develop essential skills in active listening, collective focus, and collaborative synergy, resulting in a performance unique to the group’s dynamic.
MOST MELDRUM CIRCLES ARE 30-60 MINUTES, BUT LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING SPECIAL. WE’LL WORK WITH YOU!
William E. Meldrum
William E. Meldrum is a retired educator and distinguished percussionist whose career has shaped the Arizona music scene for over three decades. A two-time Arizona State University alumnus (B.M. ’91, M.Ed. ’09), William served as the Director of Bands, Choirs, Orchestra and Special Needs Music at Agua Fria High School and Director of Instrumental Music at Independence High School. His impact on collegiate pageantry includes a decade as a faculty associate and arranger for the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band and over 20 years on the writing staff for the University of Washington Husky Marching Band.
A specialist in Middle Eastern and folk percussion, William has contributed to numerous recordings and performed in concert halls across the country. He is a cornerstone of the Arizona Renaissance Festival, where for 38 years he has served as the lead drummer for the daily Drum Jam—a massive, high-energy finale featuring hundreds of drummers and dancers. He also continues to perform with his popular ensemble, "Three Guys and a Bunch of Drums," under his festival persona, Bobaloo Zamboni.
Bill has over 40 years of experience performing for hundreds of corporate events, including the Apollo Group, Zappos and Amazon.
Now retired from the classroom, William remains active as a performer, composer, and as a professional Santa Claus. He enjoys his retirement in the company of his wife, Tracy, their daughter, Addy, and their cat, Sprinkles.