Frank White Meacham (1856-1909) was an American composer and arranger, remembered chiefly for one enormously durable march. He was active in the world of bands, popular music and theatre.

His best-known work is American Patrol, a march and patrol piece that became a favourite of bands and orchestras and later reappeared in many arrangements. It is represented in Pristine’s historic orchestral repertory.

Meacham’s music is direct, tuneful and built for public effect. It belongs to the practical entertainment world in which a strong tune and a clear rhythmic profile could travel widely.

His name survives mainly through a single piece, but that piece has proved remarkably tough. American Patrol is one of those musical clockwork toys that refuses to run down.