Drumline (film)

Drumline is a 2002 American musicaldrama film directed by Charles Stone III. The screenplay, a fictional story about a historically black college and university marching band, was written by Tina Gordon Chism and Shawn Schepps. The story is about a young drummer from New York, played by Nick Cannon, who enters the fictional Atlanta AampT University and bumps heads with the leader of his new schools drum section. Leonard Roberts, Zoe Saldana, and Orlando Jones costar.

The film centers on Devon Miles Cannon, a teen who has just graduated from a high school in New York City. Upon graduating, Devon heads to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the fictitious Atlanta AampT University based on North Carolina AampT, a historically black college that takes enormous pride in its marching band. Devon was personally invited to attend on full scholarship by Dr. James Lee Jones, head of the band, for his prodigious talents. The AampT 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. The band has a preseason that is similar to an athletic teams induction in that it is very physically and mentally difficult. It challenges all recruits to push themselves past what they previously thought were their limits. 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. While going through his rigorous process, Devon also finds time to romance an upperclassman dancer, Laila Saldana.College life starts well for Devon, as he has the girl and a spot on the field. Things begin to turn sour when Sean Roberts, Devons percussion leader, begins to grow weary of Devons cocky attitude. Sean later challenges Devon to take a solo in his first game, believing the freshman will panic and be embarrassed in front of everyone. He is shocked when Devon takes the solo and is subsequently humiliated. This sets up some tension in the drumline which is exacerbated when Dr. Lee is told by President Wagner Afemo Omilami, the schools president, to change his focus from music to entertainment or lose his funding. Lee does not want to give Devon more playing time because he feels Devons attitude and respect are lacking. The situation further deteriorates when it is revealed that Devon cannot read music. Devo

Source: Wikipedia