Plot

The story concerns Devon Miles (Cannon), a teen who has just graduated
from high school in New York City. Upon graduating, Devon heads to Atlanta,
Georgia to attend the fictitious Atlanta A&T University, a historically black
college that takes enormous pride in its marching band. Devon was
personally invited to attend on full scholarship by Dr. Lee (Jones), head of the
band, for his prodigious talents. 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
by dedication to the teamwork emphasized "one band, one sound" concept.
The band has a preseason that is similar to an athletic team's 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 sour when Sean (Roberts), Devon's percussion leader, begins
to grow weary of Devon's 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. Sean 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 school's 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 Devon's attitude and respect are lacking. The
situation further deteriorates when it is revealed that Devon cannot read
music. Devon is demoted to P4 by Dr. Lee until he learns, then later put back
on P1 when Wagner pressures Dr. Lee to do so. However, after inflaming a
melee with a visiting band at A&T's homecoming game after Devon plays on
a opposing band member's drum (a serious insult in drumline mythos),
Devon is finally kicked out of the band by Dr. Lee. The fight also harms his
relationship with Laila as she is embarrassed to introduce him to her parents,
who attended the game.

Devon contacts A&T's rival school Morris Brown College, to discuss playing
for their band next season. Mr. Wade (J. Anthony Brown), Brown's band
leader, says that Devon does not need to know how to read music and will
likely get a full scholarship and a good position on the drumline. When Wade
wants to know what Dr. Lee is planning for the BET Big Southern Classic (a
large competition of college bands), Devon realizes that his heart and honor
are still with the A&T band. He rejects the scholarship offer from the rival
band and returns to A&T.
Though Devon is still not playing for the band, he cannot give up his
drumming. He is sent cassette tapes from his estranged father and gets
some ideas for new drum arrangements. He and Sean have a final
confrontation that clears the air and they begin to work together. The two
present their idea for an entrance cadence to Dr. Lee who decides they will
be used during the Classic. Devon helps the drumline prepare and patches
up his relationship with Laila.

At the Classic, the bands are shown performing a mixture of popular songs.
Morris Brown's band even gets rapper Petey Pablo to perform during their
routine. A&T is not fazed by this and performs their mix of retro and current
sounds. A tie results and the Morris Brown and A&T drumlines face off. Dr.
Lee tells Devon he can play for this face-off, showing his faith in Devon's
improved character and in thanks for all the hard work he has done in
getting the band ready for the Classic. Morris Brown goes first and A&T
responds. Morris Brown's second cadence includes their snares moving
forward and playing on the A&T drums (the same move that incited the fight
at A&T's homecoming game), then throwing down their sticks. The A&T line
manages to hold their composure in the face of the insult. They play their
cadence and in the middle throw down their sticks, mimicking the Morris
Brown actions, but then the entire line pulls out another set of sticks and
continues playing. They end their routine in the faces of the Morris Brown
drumline, but instead of playing on their drums, the line all drop their sticks
onto the other drumline's drums. The judges award the win to A&T.

[edit] Cast

• Nick Cannon • Von Coulter

as Devon as Ray Miles
Miles (Devon's
• Zoe Saldana Father)
as Laila • Angela E.
• Orlando Gibbs as
Jones as Dr. Dorothy
Lee Miles
• Leonard • Brandon
Roberts as Hirsch as
Sean Taylor Buck Wild
• GQ as Jayson • Afemo
• J. Anthony Omilami as
Brown as Mr. President
Wade Wagner
• Earl C.
• Candace Poitier as
Carey as Charles
Diedre • Shay
 Roundtree as
Big Rob
• Jason
Weaver as
Ernest
• Omar J.
Dorsey as
James

• Stuart Scott
as Himself