Michelle Turner Photo
Most 2 year-olds don’t play the drums, much less lead a band. Julian Person (pictured) has the distinct honor of heading the drumline of Dixwell’s Nation Drill Squad and Drum Corps at a parade here in New Haven — then on its way to a competition down South.
“The Unstoppable Nation,” as it’s known in town, may be just that, but it still needs members and money to keep stepping on.
The squad is in the midst of extra practice for upcoming events. It performs at Southern Connecticut State University May 1. Next comes a competition in Stamford, then the Freddie Fixer Parade here in town, then the nationals in Atlanta from Aug. 8 to 13.
“We tied for first and second place in Norwalk last week,” Bethea said. “We ended up giving first to the juniors and second to the seniors. We took it.”
The coach of the squad, Doug Bethea, is to drill teams what Geno Auriemma is to college basketball.
Never smiling, he talked to his young team at the top of his voice during a practice one recent afternoon.
As they assembled inside the Charles Street police substation behind the Dixwell Plaza, there was a small buzz of conversation. Until Bethea started speaking.
“Line Up!” Bethea called. The marchers begin to assemble in order; the drummers who had been standing around, automatically knew that was their cue to pick up their huge drums and strap them on. All headed out the door to the black top, where an intensive drill practice would take place for the next hour and a half.
Since the 1970s, spring drill teams and the Freddy Fixer Parade have been synonymous. Once the weather starts to warm up,you can drive or walk through any part of the Newhallville or Dixwell neighborhoods, and hear the distant sound of drums, and shouts; you know somewhere, a drill team is practicing.
The Nation Squad, founded by Bethea and Shakir, has been around since the 1980’s. Their goal: to represent not only their neighborhood as the best, but their hometown as well. It has won numerous awards in out-of-town competitions. (Click here to read about one.)
On this practice day Julian fired off a drum roll, and the drums boomed, setting off the precision drills. Moving in and out, creating patterns as they cut through one another, the team moved in sync to the beat. Bethea walked between them, barking orders, crooking his head toward a drum to keep the drummer on key. Most of the 25 steppers are female. The 12 drummers — including Julian — are all male.
They practice three times a week, unless there’s a competition coming up. Then they practice six times a week.
“So by the time they leave here, they are tired,” Bethea said. “They’ve got no more energy to do anything else. That’s what we gotta do, we gotta burn ‘em out so there’s no more energy.”
These are neighborhood kids. They said the drill team has given them discipline. Plus, the team’s just a fun way to spend time. It’s something to do.
“It kept me out of the streets,” said Ryshon Menafee. “It helps build up our community.”
What’s the hardest thing about being a part of the Nation? ” Hell week”, said Marvin Wekes who has since graduated high school and is working at a local McDonald’s. “But we’re not allowed to talk about it.”
Daleesha Bethea elaborated: “It’s a way to build your confidence, and you really get ready for our anniversary and the Freddie Fixer, and are initiated into the Nation Drill Squad and Drum Corps.”
Doug Bethea said it cost a kid about $190 to join the drill team, to cover the uniform and the boots. Then he has to find money to cover travel costs when the team competes out of state. He’s looking for help from the community to cover those costs and expand the program. he wants to offer kids an alternative to the street.”
“Last year, we lost about 10 drummers because we didn’t have enough equipment,” he said. “I want the community to know that there are programs, such as my own program, out here for the kids to be involved in, where they won’t get in trouble, where they won’t be on the streets, carrying guns, where they won’t be in gangs.
“Matter of fact, one young man who used to be in my program, got arrested today on Division Street, who was in my program. He got picked up with a loaded firearm. More support from the leaders in the community, more support from the people in the community. That makes a bigger difference.”
Donations can be sent care of Doug Bethea, ATTN: Nation Drill Squad and Drum Corps, 200 Goffe Street, Apt.34 D, New Haven CT 06511.