WHO WE ARE?

Founded in 1993 by Louisvillian Edward White, the River City Drum Corp 
(formerly known as the Parkland Drum Corps, for the Parkland Boys & Girls 
Club, which sponsored it) is a group of children and young adults between 
the ages of 2 and 18 who have been trained in African drumming techniques 
and materials as well as the richness of African culture.

WHAT WE DO

The Drum Corp is far more than just a musical group; it is an organization 
that provides its members with a blueprint for success in life.  Each young 
drummer makes his or her own drum, using materials found in the 
environment.  

They learn through apprenticeships-not just about African drumming, but also 
about the skills needed for personal, academic, and social success.  They 
are responsible for the Drum Corp's business accounting and scheduling. 
After every performance or group outing, each member writes a personal 
narrative about his/her experience regarding that particular event.

The Drum Corp is designed for children ages two through eighteen. Family and 
community are important parts of the programs cultural philosophy and serve 
as the basic support structure for what is accomplished by and through the 
children's efforts.  Diversity is celebrated within the community, 
therefore,children from various ethnic and religious backgrounds are 
accepted in the Drum Corp.

The Drum Corp's overall success is ground in the concept that there is 
commitment from the participants, their families, and the program volunteers 
to function as one unit--a true extended family.  The commitment from each 
of the three plays a distinct role in the development and nurturing of the 
young people.

PRACTICE SESSIONS

Practices are held at the program office location, 3308 Chauncey Avenue, 
Louisville. This building served as the former Immaculate Heart of Mary 
School. The rehearsals are normally held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the beginners and until 8:00 p.m. for the juniors 
and seniors.

The drum year generally convenes regularly during the months of September 
through July. The summers are reserved for our annual RCDC family vacation 
and/or special drumming projects.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT SESSIONS

Supplemental education classes are held on the first and third Saturdays 
from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the program offices.

PROGRAM DUES

The fees are structured to be affordable.  You have two options: you may pay 
for the entire year or choose to pay four quarterly installments.

$300 - one child or $75 per quarter
$360 - two children or $90 per quarter
$420 - three or more children or $105 per quarter

DRUM CORP LEADERSHIP

Mr. Ed (Nardie) White - founder, instructor and master drummaker serves as 
the group's leader and overall Program Director.  

Mrs. Zambia Nkrumah - Director of Education

Mr. Randolph (Bubba) Ellis - Director of Music and Operations Manager

Mrs. Adriana Thornton-Clark - Parent Coordinator

Mr. Jermaine Reeves - Drum Line Director

Mr. Al Babcock - Technical Advisor

Mr. Felix Hayes - Computer Consultant

Mrs. JoEtta Perkins - Piano Instructor

Ms. Denise Martin - NIA Instructor