WRTI Young Artist Spotlight

WRTI is proud to highlight the accomplishments of young artists in our local communities. You can donate here to champion and support WRTI's education initiatives! Learn more about what inspires and motivates these musicians through the interviews in this series.

WRTI Young Artist Spotlight: Drummer Ky'Aire Davis

WRTI Your Classical and Jazz Source | By Lydia Veilleux

Published November 19, 2025 at 1:58 PM EST

Drummer Ky'Aire Davis at a performance with Mad Beatz Philly for the opening of the Calder Gardens in Philadelphia.

Fifteen-year-old drummer Ky’Aire Davis is a sophomore at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), majoring in instrumental performance. Ky’Aire’s musical journey started in the 5th grade when Ky'aire joined the Highmark Mann Center Music & Motion Academy drumline program at Global Leadership Academy West, where he received instruction from Mad Beatz Philly's team of percussion educators.

Ky’Aire is currently in Mad Beatz Philly’s drumline and plays in CAPA’s jazz ensemble, concert band, and orchestra. Ky’Aire has performed at various events around Philadelphia, most recently at the Beech “Jazz on the Ave” Music Festival.

Ky’Aire is dedicated to sharing his love of music and has had the opportunity to teach young drummers through Mad Beatz Philly's summer program. After high school, Ky’Aire would like to attend an HBCU, where he plans to study music and participate in the drumline.

10 Questions with Ky'Aire Davis:

1. What do you like to listen to?

I mainly listen to R&B. However, I listen to hip-hop, metal, and jazz for inspiration.

2. What was one thing about your instrument that surprised you when you started learning to play?

I was surprised to learn how much time people dedicated to drumming.

3. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?

My favorite thing about Philadelphia is that the community forms together despite the violence in the city.

Drummer Ky'Aire Davis plays with Mad Beatz Philly drumline to celebrate the new mural, Nunca Olvides de Dónde Vienes (Never Forget Where You Come From) in Philadelphia's Norris Square neighborhood. — Drummer Ky'Aire Davis with the Mad Beatz Philly drumline, performing to celebrate the new mural, Nunca Olvides de Dónde Vienes (Never Forget Where You Come From) in Philadelphia's Norris Square neighborhood.

4. How would you describe the role of the drummer in a jazz band?

I think the role of the drummer in a jazz band is to be a foundation for the rest of the band while adding your own personality to the music.

5. What are your favorite kinds of ensembles to play in?

I mainly enjoy playing in drumlines.

6. What is your process for practicing?

Whenever I practice, I think (about) working on my fundamentals, then think back to my last rehearsal and improve what I need to improve based on that.

Drummer Ky'Aire Davis performs at the Mad Beatz Drumline Hip Hop Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia as part of the Philadelphia's Red, White, & Blue To-Do.

7. What or who do you consider to be your musical community?

I consider everyone that's a part of Mad Beatz Philly and the other instrumentalists at CAPA to be my musical community.

8. What advice would you give your 9-year-old self?

I would tell my 9-year-old self to stay constant and to not give up or doubt yourself.

9. What was an experience with a teacher or peer that was impactful to you in your music education?

An impactful experience was in 7th grade when Mr. (Jesse) Mell allowed me to join the honors drumline program that was usually only available for high schoolers.

10. Do you have any advice for people who are just starting to learn to play an instrument?

Advice for anyone learning an instrument is to spend a decent time on your technique and fundamentals, and remember that your instrument is a reflection of who you are.