Education

#Beychella performance fueled by metro Atlanta influence

April 14, 2018; Indio, CA, USA; Beyoncé performs at the Coachella Valley music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club. Mandatory Credit: Zoe Meyers/The Desert Sun via USA TODAY NETWORK
April 14, 2018; Indio, CA, USA; Beyoncé performs at the Coachella Valley music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club. Mandatory Credit: Zoe Meyers/The Desert Sun via USA TODAY NETWORK
By Marlon A. Walker
April 18, 2018

Beyoncé's HBCU-inspired Coachella performance included band members who live and work in metro Atlanta.

Social media blew up as Beyoncé began her history-making turn as Coachella's first black headliner. Viewers across metro Atlanta soon learned they knew many of those in her band, and behind their moves.

The band was led by Don P. Roberts, who serves as instrumental music coordinator for the DeKalb County School District. Roberts also consulted on the “Drumline” movies, as well as several other television shows and performances. He’s also the force behind the Drumline Live, a theatrical version of the movies that tours nationally.

The band included members of his Drumline Live crew, among others, with alum from the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and a large contingent from Southwest DeKalb High School, where Roberts previously directed the band.

About the Author

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

More Stories