Bill Melendrez

William “Bill” Melendez was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley (Southern California). Growing up in a family of musicians, he started playing the trumpet at age 10. He was active in his high school band program and attended the California Institute of the Arts where he received the Bachelor of Arts degree in music. While a student at Cal Arts Bill studied trumpet with renown trumpet teacher Claude Gordon.

In the San Fernando Valley Bill performed with 4 community orchestras, several big bands, German Bands and rock bands. He was a member of the College of the Canyons Studio Big Band for over 35 years.

After a 31–year career with the United States Postal Service, Bill and his wife of 40 years moved to Nevada to enjoy retirement and spend time with their family here. He now plays as a regular member with the Capital City Community Band, Carson City Symphony, Mile High Jazz Band and Rosebud Dance Band. He joined the Reno Wind Symphony in the Spring 2018 semester.