D = Discipline - People with self-discipline are stronger. R = Respect - People with self-respect make good decisions.                       People who  respect others make the world a better place. U = Unity - We work together. Say, "We" not "I." M = Music!!!

WHAT IS D.R.U.M.?

D.R.U.M., which stands for Discipline, Respect, and Unity through Music, is a percussion ensemble that was formed at the former Booker T. Washington Montessori Magnet School in the fall of 1999.  It’s an auditioned group of BTWA 4th and 5th graders that rehearses after school each Tuesday from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. under the direction of Abby Haywood.  D.R.U.M. was designed after a group developed in 1995 by Jim Solomon at Osceola Elementary School in Florida.  Much of their material was written or arranged by Mr. Solomon.  They perform in the annual Intermediate Winter and Spring Showcases as well as other performances outside of the school.

Each rehearsal and performance begins with members reciting the D.R.U.M. code: "We are D.R.U.M., Discipline, Respect, and Unity through Music.  "D" stands for discipline.  People with self-discipline are stronger.  "R" stands for respect.  People with self-respect make good decisions.  People who respect others make the world a better place.  "U" stands for unity.  We work together.  Say, "We" not "I."  "M" stands for music.  We are D.R.U.M., Discipline, Respect, and Unity through Music."

In D.R.U.M., tubanos, a cousin to congas and djembes are used as lead drums.  They are accompanied by bongos, bass drum, hand drums, and a variety of unpitched percussion instruments.  D.R.U.M. provides members with experience in rhythm, ensemble, movement, improvisation, meter, form, and timbre.  D.R.U.M. members create the form, or structure, of their pieces, add movement to their pieces, and sometimes compose new pieces.

HOW CAN YOU JOIN D.R.U.M.?

All 4th and 5th grade students at Booker T. Washington Academy are taught a D.R.U.M. piece with a lead drum part and five accompanying parts in their general music class during the second rotation.  During the next couple of rotations, they are assessed on playing and sustaining each of the six parts within the ensemble.  Each part is worth up to ten points based on rhythmic accuracy and playing technique for a possible total of 60 points.  Up to 40 points are awarded for focus, good SLANT, posture, beginning and ending at the appropriate times, and ease of learning.  The students earning the top 30 to 35 scores will be asked back for a second audition in the middle of September to determine the D.R.U.M. members for the year.

D.R.U.M.’S PERFORMANCE HISTORY

In addition to performances at Booker T. Washington, D.R.U.M. has performed at the 1999 Kentucky Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD) Convention, the 2000 and 2001 Transylvania University Martin Luther King Day Celebrations, the UK Basketball Museum during an autograph signing session prior to a 2001 UK home basketball game, the 2002 and 2003 Lexington Children’s Museum Martin Luther King Day Celebrations, the 2004 Asbury College Martin Luther King Day Celebration, the 2004 Main Street Baptist Church Black History Celebration, the 2005 FCPS District PTA luncheon, a FCPS board meeting, the 2006 Danville Heritage Festival and performances in other area elementary schools.  Between performances at the 2002 Lexington Children’s Museum Martin Luther King Day Celebration, D.R.U.M. was privileged to perform a special command performance for Ozzie Davis, after which each member had the opportunity to meet him personally.