Assignment: Finding the Beat: Individual Success, Teamwork, and Growth in Drumline

For this assignment, watch the film Drumline and respond to the questions below focusing on themes such as teamwork, leadership, personal growth, and responsibility. The movie is currently available for free using this link: Tubi TV. 

Drumline, released in theaters in 2002 and directed by Charles Stone III, tells the story of Devon Miles (played by Nick Cannon), a talented drummer from Harlem who earns a scholarship to attend the fictional Atlanta A&T University. The movie also features Zoe Saldaña as Laila, Orlando Jones as the strict band director Dr. Lee, and Leonard Roberts as Sean Taylor, Devon’s rival within the drumline.

Confident in his skills and driven by a desire to stand out, Devon joins the school’s prestigious marching band. While his raw talent immediately impresses some, his lack of discipline, inability to read music, and habit of prioritizing personal recognition over group success quickly create tension with fellow band members and the band’s strict director, Dr. Lee.  

As the story unfolds, Devon faces academic probation, band suspension, and strained relationships with teammates—particularly with section leader Sean Taylor. Through these challenges, Devon begins to understand that success in a structured environment requires humility, teamwork, and respect for others. By learning to listen, collaborate, and place the group’s goals above his own ego, Devon matures both as a musician and as a person, ultimately helping the band succeed together during the final competition.

Thoughtfully answer each question using examples from the movie to support your responses. 

You must first write your answers on Microsoft Word or Google docs, copy and paste them to this page, and then hit submit. The fields on this page do not autosave.