Devon runs to Dr.Lee telling him that his band mates are shunning him, but he is eventually kicked out of the band by Dr. The band is angry with Devon for his showboating and shun him. The final straw comes at A&T's homecoming, when Devon incites a melee with the visiting band by leading his fellows in using their sticks to play on the visiting line's drums (a serious insult in drumline mythos).The melee results in the destruction of $99,000 worth of band equipment and 17 arrests. Lee until he learns, then later put back on P1 when Wagner pressures Dr. The situation further deteriorates when it is revealed that Devon cannot read music. Lee does not want to give Devon more playing time because he feels Devon's attitude and respect are lacking. Lee is told by President Wagner ( Afuma Dkembie ), the school's president, to change his focus from music to entertainment or "There won't be a band program next year". This sets up some tension in the drumline which is exacerbated when Dr. He is shocked when Devon takes the solo and is subsequently humiliated. Sean later challenges Devon to take a solo in his first game, believing the freshman will panic and be embarrassed in front of everyone. Things begin to turn sour when Sean ( Roberts), Devon's percussion leader, begins to grow weary of Devon's cocky attitude. While going through his rigorous process, Devon also finds time to romance an upperclassman dancer, Laila ( Saldana).Ĭollege life starts well for Devon, as he has the girl and a spot on the field. At the end of preseason, the musicians audition for spots on the field, and Devon is the only freshman to make P1, the highest level player. It challenges all recruits to push themselves past what they previously thought were their limits.
The band has a preseason that is similar to an athletic team's induction in that it is very physically and mentally difficult.
The A&T band separates itself from its competitors by requiring all members to read music, by focusing on various styles of music rather than what music is currently popular on the radio, and dedication to the teamwork emphasized "one band, one sound" concept. James Lee ( Jones), head of the band, for his prodigious talents. Devon was personally invited to attend on full scholarship by Dr. Upon graduating, Devon heads to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the fictitious Atlanta A&T University (based on North Carolina A&T), a historically black college that takes enormous pride in its marching band. The film centers on Devon Miles ( Cannon), a teen who has just graduated from a high school in New York City.