Young persons between the ages of 11 – 18 years are eligible to become members of the Squad. Mr.
Objective: To provide a core group of middle and senior school students the skills to drum, march and dance in drumline routines; To provide a positive outlet for young people whilst developing moral character. PURPOSE
The purpose of the NDA is to provide the best option of drumline training to young persons to become Bermuda’s premier drumline squad.
2. Exception may be made with the expressed
permission of the Executive Committee.
3. ADMISSION TO THE SQUAD
Admission to the squad will be through audition by one of three ways:
1.Following successful trials after recommendation from the NDA’s staff.
2.Following successful trials after recommendation from the student’s music teacher, or
3.Following successful trials after personal application to the Academy. After successful trials, the student will be extended an invitation to join the squad, and must commit to the squad rules. Parents and guardians will be required to attend an information sessions and sign the commitment form with the student.
4. ATTENDANCE
All students must commit to attend the mandatory training schedule as setout by the Director of the Academy. Students who fail to attend regularly scheduled training sessions and workshops may be asked to resign from he squad.
5. FEES
Students will be required to pay a registration fee of $300.00 for membership into NDA. Additional fees may be required for any workshops or engagements held throughout the year that is not off set by sponsorship, fundraising or donations.
6. CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
·The Executive Committee will determine Clothing and equipment for performance.
·The NDA is responsible for the purchase of equipment for the drumline squad. The schools will assist initially with the use of drums until sufficient funds can be obtained to purchase a full complement of drugs.
·Where possible, NDA will endeavor to purchase the clothing for performances through fees, sponsorship, fundraising or donations but may ask the students to provide funds to offset the balance.
7. LOCAL AND OVERSEAS PERFORMANCES
·The NDA will work to showcase local talent and present opportunities for growth in this industry.
·The NDA will be responsible for local travel to and from performances.
·The Executive Committee will decide to accept any invitation, local or overseas, taking into consideration but not limited to the funds available, the time of year (school in sessions) or any other circumstances likely to affect health, welfare and safety of the NDA members.
8. LOCAL INSTRUCTORS
The following persons have agreed to lead the squad as local instructors:
Mr. Dennis Parsons, Dellwood Middle School and The Centre
Instructors may be added or subtracted with the expressed permission of the Academy. A physical fitness trainer and performance arts teacher/trainer will be invited on an ad hoc basis to complement the local team of instructors.
9. CONSULTANT
·The NDA will utilize an international consultant, Mr. Clifford Wesley of the Force High School Drumline. Wesley is certified to teach drumming and drumline techniques. He is an acclaimed instructor and has been rated as one of the top drumline leaders in North America. Wesley will provide training to local instructors and the squad to maintain a high standard and professional performance. Specific materials that will be covered are: percussion skills customized drumming techniques, back sticking, rudiments, reading and writing music formats for drumming, dance sequences, formation and practice of specific music for the drumline squad. Students will also receive binders, books and CD’s.
·Other consultants may be invited to assist NDA at the express permission of the Executive Committee.
10. TRAINING PROGRAM
Students will attend regularly scheduled training sessions to practice and refine skills, drills, routines, and formations learned in preparation for any performance or workshop.
11. ACADEMIC MONITORING AND PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The instructors of NDA will assist the schools and parents toward keeping the students focused on their school performance. The Academy will not take the responsibility away from the school authorities and parents; however, through drumming discipline and passion the program will assist in the squad member’s focus of combining drumline, school and social development. Students will be asked to submit a school performance statement from their teachers highlighting that the student is in good academic standing. Students will be provided 30-minute homework time during the training sessions for those meetings that are scheduled during the school term. Parents will be required to attend information sessions and encouraged to engage in networking and plan social activities with the squad members outside training.
12. FUNDS MANAGEMENT
The Secretary of NDA shall be responsible for the collection of all funds received from fees, sponsorship, fundraising and donations as set in Rule 12 of the Constitution
13. SQUAD DISCIPLINE
All squad members must abide by the Constitution and decisions of the Executive Committee. An appointed Disciplinary Committee may deal with any member, having been reported for disciplinary matters. The Disciplinary Committee shall report its findings and recommendation to the President who will take the appropriate action and notify the member and his/her parents.
14. PENALTY
Disciplinary action can range from verbal warning to dismissal.
02/04/2026
21/03/2026