The Louisville Leopard Percussionists
The Fabulous Leopard Percussionists began as an extra-curricular program at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Louisville. In 1993 Diane Downs stumbled upon some dusty percussion instruments in a storage closet and passed them out to her second and third grade students. Initially they played only at school, but as their reputation spread so did invitations to play at prestigious music gatherings around the country. The group has performed with top professional percussionists such as jazz vibraphonists Dave Samuels and Victor Mendoza, jazz drummer Louie Bellson and studio recording drummer Ndugu Chancler.
The Louisville Leopard Percussionists
In 2003 the group attained nonprofit community organization status, becoming the Louisville Leopard Percussionists. They moved out of the school system with the goal of expanding musical opportunities for Louisville-area children. The group has expanded to approximately 50 members and serves a diverse group of children from across metro Louisville. Diane’s unique teaching methods and her unending passion for this program continue to challenge and inspire the children—and delight parents and audiences.