Vandercook Presents Remo Belli with Honorary Doctorate

Chicago, IL  - During its July 28th Commencement Exercises, VanderCook College of Music will honor the work of Remo D. Belli, CEO and Founder of REMO, Inc. and music products industry pioneer, by awarding him with a doctorate of music honoris causa.

The award is presented by VanderCook’s Trustees to recognize an individual who has made major contributions to music education through their life's work.

Anyone who has heard the music in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or The Tournament of Roses Parade, has been affected by Remo Belli. It is REMO, Inc., that provides all of the drumheads. Belli will be honored by VanderCook for his lifelong commitment to furthering the percussive arts. Through tireless innovation, REMO, Inc., has revolutionized drum and drumhead making and has made a generation of drummers sound better. For over 50 years, the company has pioneered drumhead technology that produces a high-quality sound at an affordable price. Belli and a small group of percussionists and music directors created the Percussive Arts Society in 1961, an organization promoting percussion education, research, and performance. In 1982, Belli developed an undersized drumset geared for youngsters. This was the first time children could learn on a true acoustic musical instrument instead of a toy. But Belli did not stop at creating excellent products. REMO, Inc., now supports every major percussion education organization including the International Association for Jazz Education, the Percussive Arts Society, Drum Corps International, Winter Guard International, National Association for Music Education (MENC), American Orff-Schulwerk Association, The Grammy Foundation, Bands of America and Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!). REMO, Inc., doesn’t just support music education, it also provides music education. The REMO Recreational Music Center first became known worldwide for offering a free Community Drum Circle, and it has expanded its offering to include seminars, workshops, clinics, concerts, classes, and wellness programs. Understanding the full power of music. Belli started a new division within REMO, Inc., HealthRHYTHMS, that develops and provides materials, programs, training and the latest research supporting the use of drumming as an effective means for promoting and maintaining health and well-being.

Belli has been recognized widely for his innovation and generosity. In 1985, his handprints were enshrined at Guitar Center’s RockWalk. The following year, Belli was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. In 2003, he received the Music Has Power Award from The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function to recognize his efforts to bring new understanding to the use of the power of music to awaken and heal.

Like REMO, Inc., VanderCook College of Music is founded on a belief in the importance of music. Both VanderCook and REMO, Inc. are committed to creating and supporting the next generation of musicians. VanderCook does this through its comprehensive training of music educators. VanderCook students go on to teach in the neighborhood schools throughout Chicago and beyond where they impact the lives of children in schools every day by providing life-changing musical experiences. They provide the spark and inspiration that stimulates personal and educational growth. In turn, REMO, Inc. supports the work of musicians and music educators every day.

REMO, Inc., and VanderCook College of Music recognize the transformative impact music has on an individual. On July 28th, VanderCook College of Music will award master of music degrees to over 70 graduates who will go on to shape the world of music education and recognized the accomplishments of one musician, Remo Belli, who already has.