Programs That Transform From the Inside Out.

Every DRUM experience is intentionally designed to do more than teach art. We build identity, restore belonging, and awaken the leader inside every young person we serve.

Youth Programming

  • For one week we offer a Cultural Immersive experience to 25 youth. This camp is performance based. A transformative week-long experience where youth immerse themselves in West African drumming, dance, song, yoga, wellness, and cultural education and step on stage to share their light with the world.

    Classes include:

    • West African Drumming,

    • West African Dance,

    • Capoeira,

    • Gardening,

    • Creative Writing, and Visual Arts.

    The content supports youth to develop the Social Emotional skills of Self-Management and a Sense of Belonging.

    Enrollment is FREE, but is solely based on grant funding, sponsorships, fundraising, and contributions from donors.

  • Our In-School platform serves to enrich the lives of students by fostering experiences of art that develops self-expression, and confidence by enhancing group connection and identity.

    The Social Emotional skill of a Sense of Belonging is key to the success of our youth. We foster this through a community experience of music, song, and or dance.

    Research has shown that hand drumming improves hand-eye coordination, concentration, stimulates the building of new neuropathways, as well as fosters a sense of oneness with others.

    Interested in having us be part of the experience of Art in your school? Please email us at:

    elvie@drumtheprogram.org and request a quote for services.

  • We offer FREE After-School programs twice a year, Spring and Fall. These sessions are designed to increase interest in DRUM the Program from local communities and constituents.

     Each session runs for five days.

    3 pm – 5:30 pm

     Location: George Daley Park in Montevallo, AL.

    In our After-School programming, students enjoy drum classes as well as a glimpse of West Africa through a Social Studies lens that includes History, Geography, Political, and Culture.

    Other components of our After-School programming may include Visual Arts and Creative Writing.

    Are you looking for a fun, energetic, engaging, and relevant Cultural Arts experience for your After-School community?

    Book DRUM the Program for your After-School community program needs. Request a quote.

  • Group of children and adults in a classroom with music posters, standing behind an array of drums, some clapping, smiling, posing, and raising hands.

    Minor Community School

  • A group of children sitting in a circle, playing drums in a colorful classroom.

    Minor Community School

  • A diverse group of elementary school children and two adults in a classroom, standing behind a large collection of drums arranged in front. The children are smiling and posing, with some making playful gestures. The classroom features colorful decorations, educational posters, and artwork on the walls.

    Minor Community School

  • Three people playing drums in a room decorated with African art and musical instruments.

    Youth Summer Camp

  • A group of children and three adults posing together in a gymnasium. Children are smiling, making peace signs, and raising their hands. Adults are standing in the back, one with a drum and another playing a smaller drum. The background shows bleachers, a whiteboard, and decorations.

    In School Programming

  • Two girls standing outdoors during golden hour with their arms around each other, smiling. One girl is wearing a yellow and black striped shirt, and the other girl is wearing a bright yellow T-shirt with text that reads 'IT'S NOT LUCK, IT'S SKILL.' Behind them is a grassy area with trees and a red car parked in the background.

    After School Programming

  • Group photo of young students and teachers in a classroom decorated with flags and educational posters.

    In School Youth Programming

  • A group of young girls in colorful traditional African dance costumes performing a dance routine on a basketball court in a gymnasium, with spectators seated on bleachers watching.

    Youth Programming

  • Group of children wearing colorful masks and traditional clothing, holding sticks, indoors with ceiling fans and lights.

    Youth Summer Camp

After School Programming

Registration for our 2026 Juneteenth Youth Summer Camp Is Open!

Sign up

Adult Programming

  • Contact us for more information!

  • We offer a six-week workshop series that serves to share the cultural arts from West Africa as a tool for healing and growing.

    These ancient art forms are used as rituals for celebration, rites of passage, welcoming, and mourning.

    Central to these experiences is the community that supports and provides reciprocity.

    We hold an Intention for participants to connect deeply within to their story of personal struggle.

    Participants engage in a visual aide to identify what they need to live their lives with more joy and purpose.

    Each week community dance class offers a supportive space for participants to share, listen and move into a deeper personal understanding of who they are and what they have to give in service of others.

    The sixth week is sharing of what was discovered and what was learned through the experience.

    Community supporters are invited to attend as we celebrate each other’s contribution to the restoration of our sense of humanity.

  • Group of diverse people in a dance studio, some sitting on the floor and others standing, with drums and a poster about DRUM program in the background.

    Adult Programming

  • Group of people dancing in a dance studio with wooden floors, brick walls, large windows, and exposed ceiling beams.

    Adult Programming

  • Table covered with various printed materials, including photographs, magazine pages, and posters, arranged on a black tablecloth with a patterned print, set against a brick wall background.

    Adult Programming

  • A woman with dreadlocks kneels on the wooden floor, drawing on a piece of paper with a marker, while three young men sit nearby, one looking at his phone and another smiling. The room has a brick wall, a table with supplies, and chairs.

    Adult Programming

  • A woman with dreadlocks pointing and talking to a group of people at a table covered with brochures and papers inside a brick-walled room.

    Adult Programming

  • Group of diverse people sitting on the wooden floor in a spacious room with brick walls and large windows, participating in a discussion or workshop.

    Adult Programming

The University of Montevallo

Community Engagement

Community Classes and Workshops

Here at DRUM The Program, our first love is to share the magic of West African Cultural Arts with others.

We offer community drum and dance classes to share the joy and build connections with all.

We are also available to provide community drum and dance classes for your community.

We are also available for entertainment.

Please email us at elvie@drumtheprogram.org to request a quote for services.

Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram for Community Engagement Opportunities.

  • People gathered outdoors at night, some wearing masks, listening to a speaker or performer in front of a small stage with drums. A tent and building with lights are visible in the background.

    Community

  • Three musicians playing drums outdoors in front of a stone wall with green lattice windows and a colorful abstract painting.

    Community

  • Outdoor drum circle with diverse people, a woman leading a dance, and audience seated in a semicircle at a community event.

    Community

Request a Quote.

Find out more about our curriculum, programming, and teaching opportunities.