Drum Rhythm Unification Movement

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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.

DRUM The Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing culturally grounded West African drumming and dance education to advance social-emotional learning and community health outcomes. Through our programming, participants demonstrate increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social connection, along with reduced stress and improved overall well-being. By serving youth and adults across Alabama, we preserve folkloric traditions while cultivating positive identity development, cultural awareness, and inclusive community engagement.

Sign-Up Today for our 2026 Juneteenth Youth Summer Camp!

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Group of people sitting in a circle outdoors near a lake, participating in a drumming circle, surrounded by trees on a sunny day.

Meet Our Team

A smiling man sitting at a table, clapping with one hand, in front of African drums, wearing a colorful traditional African shirt and patterned pants, with a woman standing nearby holding a drumstick.

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.
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.