Every Monday and Wednesday evening, the sounds of loud drumming fill the air at the Spring Garden Academy, located at the Resurrection Life Church in Philadelphia. Here, Tony Royster and his drill team rehearse their performances.
Royster, the founder and director of Positive Movement Entertainment Drumline, established the organization in 2011, transitioning it into a drill team in 2014. The group’s core message is clear: “Put down the guns and pick up some drums” to foster a better, safer community. Last month, the team took part in the Eagles’ championship parade. Royster, 35, also known as “Mr. Y Not,” along with his troupe and drum major, Elmo, was featured in a 2020 documentary.
Growing up in a Philadelphia housing project surrounded by drug activity and gun violence, Royster knows firsthand the struggles of his community. Raised by a single mother, he faced many hardships and obstacles. He credits a drill team at the back of his building for helping him avoid falling into the dangerous cycle of street life.
“I had a whole bunch of negativity around me, and it was a drill team in the back of the building that helped save my life,” Royster shared. “This is my passion. This is my life. This is what keeps me out of trouble and alive.”
Determined to give back, Royster is committed to offering young people in Philadelphia a positive outlet for self-expression, particularly those who might be drawn to the violence and challenges of street life. Over the 14 years the group has been active, Royster has helped two young individuals leave behind the dangers of gun violence. They chose to join the drill team, picking up drums instead of guns.
“We actually got them to put down their guns, join the drill team, and pick up some drums,” Royster said. “When that happened, it showed me that I’m actually doing what I need to be doing, and this is where I need to be.”
Donavon Harrison, who joined the troupe at 24 when it first became a drumline, was involved with a neighborhood gang in Hunter Park and was eager to turn his life around. Harrison has been with the group for 11 years.
“If I hadn’t joined the organization, I probably would still be on the corners or involved in negative activities, contributing to the opposite of what we’re trying to represent,” Harrison reflected. “There’s always a better outlet. Reach out, find someone to help you.”
Sey Monet’s 12-year-old daughter, Hannah Williams, is also a member of the drill team. Monet, who met Royster two years ago at Spring Garden Academy, where her daughter is a student, was drawn to his message as he handed out flyers. Her daughter, eager to join, has remained dedicated to the group.
“I’m so excited that she is consistent and working hard,” Monet said. “Kids go through different phases of interest, so it’s been wonderful to see her stick with it. She’s building confidence, and that’s the biggest thing. She’s taking ownership and responsibility for it.”
Though Williams has not experienced gun violence personally, she finds great meaning in being part of the group.
“It makes me feel like I have the power to do what I want, and I just enjoy it,” Williams said. “I thought it would be interesting to try something new. As long as you strive for what you love, you can achieve it.”
Nyla Searight, 11, a student at Spring Garden Academy, expressed her gratitude for being part of the drill team.
“When I first came, I thought, ‘Oh my god, I’m the odd one out,’” Searight recalled. “But when I learned the whole drill, I felt like, yeah, I belong here.”
Searight, too, has never been exposed to gun violence firsthand. She feels confused by it.
“It makes me wonder, why do they have to have guns or why does it have to be violent?” Searight said.
She hopes her friends will see the positive impact of drumming and believes that playing the drums can help manage anger and calm nerves.
“I would tell them to put down the guns and pick up some drums because that shows how I care for them,” Searight said.
Royster aims to share this message with other teens, encouraging them to stop the cycle of gun violence in their communities. The group is currently competing in drill team events across the nation to spread its positive message.
“Our mission and pledge is to maintain positive minds, reduce negative reactions, foster unity in our community, and live life abundantly, free from negativity,” Royster said.
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