Any acoustic or electronic percussion is allowed. Electricity will be provided to a single outlet box. Each group is responsible to provide its own electric power cords and equipment. Accompaniment by non-percussion instrumentation is permitted. All music must be performed live.
Musical instrumentation
(i) The instrumentation of each Drumline Battle unit may include any percussive instrument or implement that is played or struck to create sound in real time including the human voice.
(ii) Any equipment requiring wheels is prohibited.
Use of electronic equipment
(i) Terminology:
(a) Music (or Musical) shall be defined as the organization of melodic, harmonic and/or rhythmic sound through time.
(b) An Electronic Instrument shall be defined as any piece of electronic equipment that produces musical sound.
(c) Music Sampling shall be defined as any pre-recorded “Music” that is played or cued with a single trigger or keystroke.
(d) Amplification shall be defined as making “Music” louder, or producing “Music”, through the use of electronic equipment.
(e) A Sequence or “Loop” shall be defined as “Music” that is pre-recorded or programmed during a performance.
(f) Human Voice shall be defined as spoken word.
(ii) Music from Electronic Instruments is allowed given that the Music is being performed live, in real time during the performance.
(iii) Sequenced Music is prohibited.
(iv) Musical Loops are prohibited.
(v) Music Sampling is prohibited.
(vi) Amplification is allowed, subject to adherence to clauses 4.a) Musical instrumentation and 4.b.ix-x.
(vii) Pre-recorded Sound Effects and Human Voice may be used.
(viii) Permission must be obtained for any and all copyrighted material. Any questions on potential copyright issues should be discussed with the Drumline Battle Events Manager no less than four weeks prior to the event date.
(ix) Ensembles may use any electrical device within their program deemed safe by the Contest Administrator. The Contest Administrator has the ultimate decision regarding safety of any device in consultation with the Drumline Battle Program Managers. Ensembles should consult with the Program Managers prior to using any equipment not specifically defined in these rules. Ensemble will assume any liability for issues arising out of the use of said electrical devices.
(x) Battery operated devices using common off-the-shelf flashlight batteries (AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D, N, 9V and button cells) are allowed. Devices using dry-cell secondary “rechargeable batteries”, including cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and computers are also allowed. Car and/or truck batteries, as well as Gasoline, electric or manual powered generators, are not permitted.
Miscellaneous equipment
(i) No pyrotechnics, discharge of arms, pressurized canisters, water, flammable liquids, and/or hazardous materials (including helium) will be permitted on or around the performance stage. This includes “Silly String” and similar products / gimmicks / effects.
(ii) Participating bands are not allowed use of powders or powder-like substances, or anything that could leave a residue (like glitter) or residual litter (like confetti) is highly prohibited on or around the performance stage.
(iii) Gasoline, electric or manual powered generators will not be allowed.
(iv) In a situation where a grass field might be used for a Drumline Battle event, the use of any type of “floor” cover will be prohibited.
(v) Participating bands can only ask specific questions regarding equipment limitations no less than seven days prior to event date. Organisers will make every effort to share necessary information proactively in this regard
Props
All props and equipment must be designed and be of a quantity so that they may be brought into the Performance Area from the band entry area during the band's normal set up time. In order to minimize distraction from the preceding band's performance, props and equipment may not be preset anywhere in the Performance Area prior to the beginning of the band's 15-minute time interval. No pre-staging in loading docks, stadium tunnels, stadium corridors, or other stadium areas will be allowed. Following the end of the band's performance, all props and equipment must be in continuous movement until entirely removed from the stadium. No post-staging in loading docks, stadium tunnels, stadium corridors, or other stadium areas will be allowed.
Equipment/props built and/or used for SRHD events shall be limited to a maximum total height of twelve (12) feet, including wheels, platforms, safety railings, other equipment, or other props placed upon the stage.
No participant may be, or be placed on, any portion of any prop where the participant's feet are more than six (6) feet above the playing surface of the stadium, unless appropriate safety railing and/or other safety equipment are in place and used.