Drum Rhythm Unification Movement
We believe that music created through intention can heal, bridge and transform the very essence of human beings’ cellular network.
The drum and dance rhythms from Africa are the foundation of language and communication. We use the rhythms as tools impacting the future of Humanity one drum beat and dance move at a time.
Our mission is to provide educational experiences of West African drum and dance that serves to develop Social- Emotional Learning Skills. We reach to serve diverse groups in our community through youth and adult programming.
Sign-Up Today for our 2025 Juneteenth Youth Summer Camp!
Meet Our Team
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Elvie Schooley is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She was born and raised in Alabaster, Alabama. Elvie left her hometown in 1986 when she joined the US Navy. She returned to Alabama after thirty years launching a nonprofit to serve those who have been underserved in the arts.
Elvie is the Executive Director of DRUM the Program which is a nonprofit organization serving Central Alabama. Their Mission is to provide an experience of West African drum and dance coupled with artistic and written self expression that prime students to develop social-emotional skills for improving self-management, and a sense of belonging.
As the Executive Director of DRUM the Program Elvie is responsible for program development and implementation. Elvie facilitates all DRUM the Program activities in serving the community. She serves as dance instructor, educator, and guest speaker. Elvie also serves as the grant researcher and writer for the organization.
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Abou Sylla is a master percussionist, musician, performer, and teacher of West African music. Abou has been performing professionally for over 25 years, and is now teaching and sharing the music, dance, and culture of West Africa throughout the United States and around the world.
Abou was a member of Les Ballets Africains, the prestigious national dance company of Guinea. For six years he performed with them, playing not one, but five traditional West African instruments – the balafon, djembe, krin, doundoun and bote
Abou shares his time between Montevallo, Alabama where he teaches In-School curriculum programming, and Austin, Texas where he is the Founder and Artistic Director of Bramaya African Drum and Dance troupe.
“Thank you for all of the love and joy you brought to our students in the West African Dance and Culture class. I am just thrilled at how beneficial it has been to our students and our department. From the bottom of my heart thank you!!.”
— Michael Walker, University of Montevallo
Our Services
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Extended Teaching Opportunities
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After School Programming
Summer Camps
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Contractual Services
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Community Classes
-Drum Classes
-Dance Classes
DRUM the Program Merchandise
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