Percussion Palooza is Sunday, February 23rd at Rock Falls High School from 12noon to 7pm. Percussion-Palooza is an educational and entertainment event featuring a solo and ensemble competition a week prior to the Illinois state contests and almost a month before the Iowa state contests for snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion and drum set for percussionist in the following levels:
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
High School (Grades 9-12)
Senior (post-secondary)
This event is held in honor of Rock Falls native Louie Bellson (1924-2009). Bellson was a famous percussionist who performed with some of the greatest jazz musicians that ever lived. Some of those musicians include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. In addition to being a talented drummer, Bellson wrote more than 1,000 compositions and arrangements in a variety of musical styles.
