Atlanta Native Only the Third Female in History to Lead TSU Marching Band
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall with a sharp focus, Devyn Miles does not settle for conventional expectations. Her drive and discipline have earned her a spot as the only female drum major in the 221-member Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands.
Miles’ selection breaks a long-standing male dominance on the four-member squad, often called the heartbeat of the band. She is only the third female drum major in TSU’s nearly 70-year history and the first in almost two decades.
“I had been watching and wondering how come there is no girl up there,” said Miles, a junior Computer Science major concentrating in Bioinformatics who plays French horn in both the marching band and the Wind Ensemble. “Just then the call came out for applicants to try out for two drum major spots, and immediately I said to myself, ‘This is your chance Devyn.'”
Applicants needed proven leadership, a minimum 2.7 GPA, and strong musical ability. Miles carried nearly a 3.0 GPA, had played instruments since middle school, and possessed clear leadership experience. She advanced as the sole female candidate alongside four men competing for two spots.
The tryout process required rigorous physical conditioning and technical mastery, particularly with the mace. “You can’t let your mace fall; it’s sacred,” Miles explained. “I set my mind to it with a lot of practice until I found a comfortable way to do it.”
Miles’ group was the first in school history to earn their positions through an open, competitive tryout rather than direct appointment by the director. Acting Band Director Dr. Reginald McDonald noted that Miles requested no special treatment.
“She went out of her way to make sure that she was able to keep up with the men and that no one in our audience was able to distinguish the one female from the three males until they took off their hats,” McDonald said.
Now serving as a key member of the “Fantastic 4,” Miles earns high praise from her peers.
“Devyn is a very capable part of our team and I am glad to have her as a member of the Fantastic 4,” said Semaj Wansley, head drum major and senior Music major. “I admire her work ethic. She overcomes those difficult obstacles placed before her, and I am sure that’s going to take her far in life.”
Miles acknowledges the sacrifices of the women who paved the way. “A lot of people supported me and there was no resentment toward me, and I thank them for that,” Miles said. “I feel very fortunate and blessed because I heard it was not so smooth for the other females who were here before me. Their struggle and perseverance helped to pave the way for me.”
That groundwork began over 30 years ago when the band first allowed female members. Felicia Carter Johnson became TSU’s first female drum major in 1983 while playing tenor saxophone in the marching band and baritone saxophone in the Jazz Band.
“I was teaching a dance routine when Prof. (Edward) Graves asked me if I was interested in becoming a drum major,” Johnson recalled. Her appointment faced immediate resistance. “I was resented mainly by the men and some even quit because I was asked to join, and that really hurt me. But I realized that I was a musician first, and I didn’t think it was handed to me. I felt I earned it because I was just as qualified and good as any of them.”
Johnson’s perseverance opened doors for Quanda Watkins, who became the second female drum major in 1992, and now Miles.
“I am glad I didn’t just think about wanting to be a drum major. I saw the opportunity and I went for it,” said Miles, who aspires to become a music producer or arranger while keeping step at the front of the line.
Don’t forget to come out on Saturday, Oct. 26, when the “Fantastic 4” and the Aristocrat of Bands lead the TSU Homecoming parade down historic Jefferson Street.
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