Kids love drums! The sight, the sound, the power, and the feel are tremendous motivators for many students. When played in ensemble, drums require the discipline of the participants to work together. The payoff is immediate: a dynamic, forceful, expressive sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. Whether it be with general music classes or with a special group, drum ensemble gives music teachers a powerful tool to build teamwork, discipline and excitement in their students.

D.R.U.M. was formed at my elementary school in 1995 to provide an ensemble experience for some fifth grade students who were not involved in any of the regular music groups. For a variety of reasons they were not in the chorus, recorder club, or the Orff instrumental group.

D.R.U.M. is an acronym for Discipline, Respect, and Unity through Music. The importance of teamwork and self-discipline is stressed as the members learn intensive percussion ensembles. They are expected to keep up with their school work and show good behavior to stay in the group. The group blends students with different behavioral, academic, and social backgrounds. They play music from the United States, Brazil, Africa, and China.

Congas are used as the lead drums. The conga drum is an ideal instrument for creating and performing parts in percussion ensembles with upper elementary and middle school students. By using only Bass and Tone (open tone), students and teachers can achieve instant success and play rhythms with powerful tonal contrast.

Drums provide unlimited potential for experience in rhythm, ensemble, movement, improvisation, meter, and timbre - the musical learning can be extensive. Drum ensemble provides teachers with the flexibility to assign part. of varying difficulty to players of different abilities. Moreover, the ensembles provide an invaluable social experience because the players depend on each other for the group to succeed.