Georgia Magazine - February 2025 - 20

KEEPING THE BEAT
The Atlanta
Drum Academy
empowers youths
through percussion
By Katie Cowart
" D
rumming is more than just making noise.
It's about creating rhythm, building discipline
and finding your voice. When my students play,
they're not just learning music; they're learning life lessons, "
James Riles III says.
In 2011, the Morris Brown College graduate and
experienced percussion mentor, originally from Nicholls,
founded the Atlanta Drum Academy to provide music education
and mentorship to underserved communities.
" One Sunday, our pastor told the congregation, 'Whatever
God has placed in your heart to do, this is the year to do it,' " Riles
says. " I waited until almost the end of the year, but I stepped out
and started the Atlanta Drum Academy. "
He teaches discipline, confidence and teamwork through
music to more than 80 students ages 4 to 18.
One student, Chioma Narcisse-Williams from Atlanta,
received his first drum from his grandmother when he was just
1 year old. At age 3, he started taking classes at the Atlanta Drum
Academy. His love for percussion grew, and with the support
of his friends, he formed a drum line with some of the other
students.
" Mr. Riles has taught me so much, " Narcisse-Williams says.
" Being a part of this group means a lot to me, and I wanted them
with me for a bigger performance. "
Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy caught the
attention of NBC competition show " America's Got Talent "
( " AGT " ) producers, who invited the group to audition in June
2023. The opportunity landed the students on the national stage.
During Season 18, Episode 3, Chioma and the Atlanta
Drum Academy performed a well-coordinated percussion
routine that combined rhythm and movement. Their
20 Georgia Magazine February 2025
Chioma and the Atlanta Drum
Academy drum line celebrate their
achievement as Golden Buzzer
winners on " America's Got Talent. "
performance earned them the Golden Buzzer from host
Terry Crews, sending them directly to the semifinals. The
group was the first drumming act to earn a Golden Buzzer, a
prestigious recognition of their talent.
During the Episode 12 semifinals, the group showcased its
creativity with a routine featuring light-up drumsticks, glowing
shoes and a mix of hip-hop beats. The drummers performed
" Coming in Hot " by Andy Mineo and " Boom Boom Pow " by the
Black Eyed Peas.
The group finished third in the semifinal week and was
nominated for the wild card vote but did not advance to the
finals.
After appearing on " AGT, " the group went on to perform on
shows such as " Good Morning America " and " Inside the NBA. "
The Atlanta Drum Academy performs more than 60 times
a year. The students are invited regionally and nationally to
perform at concerts, competitions, social events and
fundraisers. But the organization doesn't have its own space
to practice.
" We currently use a karate dojo that belongs to one of the
parents, " Riles says. " We need a bigger space so we can practice
at better times and serve more kids. Our current fundraising
initiative is geared toward this goal. "
In August, you can see the group perform at ADA Live, one
of its biggest shows of the year. More details will be released
closer to the performance.
For updates and information about upcoming
performances, visit atldrumacademy.com or follow the
academy on social media at @atlantadrumacademy.
Katie Cowart is an associate editor and writer from Athens.
ATLANTA DRUM ACADEMY
http://www.atldrumacademy.com
Georgia Magazine - February 2025

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