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Introducing a New Grading System

We recognise that for certain ages and personalities, kids want to be challenged and want a clear measure of their progress. To meet this need, we are introducing a new, straightforward grading system.

• No Grading for Junior & Middle Cycles: It's important to note that no one is graded until the Senior Cycle. Progression up to the Purple Band is automatic after each school year.

• Grading Requirement: The progress beyond Purple Band now requires a grade to pass. This means anyone joining Drumadore can only progress up to the Purple Band without a formal grade.

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Grading Process:

• Grading is conducted twice a year in the third week of December and the third week of June.

• The process involves a video submission to an anonymous examiner from outside the Drumadore community.

• Students will receive their results before the next term, allowing them to decide whether to move to a higher band.

• Accelerated Progress: A new opportunity is now available for younger students showing exceptional promise to skip bands by completing a higher-level grading. Our ethos would be to stay with your age group and enjoy the gradual progress and the social environment and the friendships all the way up.

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Our New Progression & Development Schedule

Junior Cycle (No Grading) - WHITE YELLOW ORANGE

• Focus: Simple rhythms, moves, games, and learning to enjoy music.

• Levels:

  • Junior Infants: White Band

  • Senior Infants: Yellow Band

  • 1st Class: Orange Band

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Middle Cycle (No Grading) - GREEN BLUE PURPLE

• Focus: Sound, simple technique, and more time on drumming and playing beats. Moves remain important.

• Levels:

  • 2nd Class: Green Band

  • 3rd Class: Blue Band

  • 4th Class (upwards): Purple Band

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Senior Cycle (Grading Required to go beyond Purple Band) - RED BLACK

• Focus: Technique, timing, precision, and performance.

• Levels:

  • Red Band

  • Black Band 1

  • Black Band 2

  • Black Band 3

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Performance Opportunities & Grading

We believe in the power of public performance, and we want all students to feel part of a big performance regardless of their grade. Grading is also always optional.

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• Public Busks & Concerts: Each local teacher will organise busks and end-of-term concerts. These are open to every child in Drumadore, and no grading is required for these performances.

• Grading-Required Performances: Certain high-level performance opportunities are now exclusive to those who have achieved a grade. These include:

  • Macnas drummers (15+ years)

  • XP (Any age, Red Band required)

  • Connacht Rugby roster (12+ years)

  • The Bash Brothers (16+ years)

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These opportunities are meant to give students something to strive for and be proud of, proving they can master the basics of drumming up to a very high standard.

Nothing changes for this year coming but from June 2026 there will be grading for students to excel beyond purple.

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Recreational option : If you don’t want to participate in grading and achieve red or black band’s grading is optional.