Former Excel Student King Branch Johnson Joins Sixers Stixers
A Passion That Started Early
King Branch Johnson was only 15 months old when his mother put his first pair of drumsticks in his hands.
“The moment I put sticks in his hand, that was it,” said Leandra Branch.
It turned out to be quite a gift.
King’s grandfather, a pastor, gave him opportunities to play drums at church, and by eighth grade, King was regularly behind the drum kit during services. Now a 10th grader, the former Excel Middle Years Academy student has taken his love of drumming to a much bigger stage—recently earning a spot on the Philadelphia 76ers’ official drum team.
Learning a New Style of Drumming
King learned about the opportunity through Career Connected Learning PHL (C2L), which connects young people ages 12–24 with paid work-based learning experiences to set them up for career and economic success. Through C2L-PHL, he met Antoine Mapp, director of the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad, better known to 76ers fans as the Sixers Stixers.
Although he already knew his way around a drum kit, drumline was new territory.
“I knew drumming, but I didn’t know drumline culture,” King said. But that didn’t stop him from giving it a try.
Under Mapp’s direction, King began learning a different style of drumming and performing alongside other young musicians. The West Powelton Steppers have spent decades providing young people in Philadelphia with a creative outlet, mentorship and opportunities to perform.
“He surprised me,” Leandra said, recalling seeing King move from playing snare to bass. “I’m super proud of him.”
Taking the Stage With the Sixers Stixers
King’s first day at Xfinity Mobile Arena helped the accomplishment sink in.
“It was surreal,” said King, who was recently stopped by someone on the street after they recognized him from the drumline. “Our beats make you move!”
“I knew drumming, but I didn’t know drumline culture,” King said. But that didn’t stop him from giving it a try.
His schedule now includes rehearsals and performances around Philadelphia. The experience has also put King in new situations and helped him become more comfortable putting himself out there.
Staying “Booked and Busy”
Drumming is only one part of King’s busy sophomore year. This summer, he served as a youth ambassador for FDR Park, an experience that gave him a chance to learn more about one of Philadelphia’s natural spaces and share that knowledge with others. King talked enthusiastically about the park’s pond and wildlife, as well as efforts to care for the environment.
For King and his mother, staying involved has a purpose. His activities keep him focused on school and thinking about what he wants out of life.
“I am booked and busy—FDR and drumline are keeping me out of danger and helping my future,” said King, who also participates in a carpentry program through Unity in the Community.
Making Education a Priority
“Keep your grades up,” his mother tells him. “You can’t do anything without your education.”
King takes that advice seriously. Despite his packed schedule, he maintains his grades and continues making school a priority. He also credits the people he surrounds himself with and his full schedule with helping him stay focused on what matters.
The Village That Helped Him Grow
Reflecting on his time at Excel Middle Years Academy, King said the relationships he formed with staff set the school apart. Mr. Martin and Mr. Tanner took the time to break down difficult work and stay after school to help him, while Ms. Ali, his counselor, became someone he felt he could tell anything.
He also remembers Ms. Lucas, who he said “fought so hard” for him.
Excel also helped King become more comfortable speaking in front of others. As a younger student, he preferred staying in the background. Giving school tours and taking on other responsibilities helped build confidence he continues to draw on today.
King’s connection to Excel has continued since he moved on to high school. When asked what he remembers most about his time there, he came back to the staff members who supported him in and out of the classroom.
“They really were my family. They were my village,” King said. “They are not teachers—they are family, a village inside that one building.”
About Excel Middle Years Academy
Excel Middle Years Academy offers an accelerated middle school track where students can develop the skills needed to succeed in middle and high school. The program is focused on academic success, emotional wellness and social growth.
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