Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands, marching band

Meet Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands

Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands performs on Show 448, and drum major Joshua Knox is interviewed.

Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands is a high-stepping, show-style marching band from the historically Black university, Tennessee State University in Nashville. The band is known for playing a variety of music such as jazz, classical, contemporary, and popular pieces, and is heralded for its distinct musical style using clean articulation, expressive dynamics, balance, and technical ability. The Aristocrat of Bands made history as the first collegiate marching band to win the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album, The Urban Hymnal, at the 65th annual Grammy Awards ceremony.

Joshua Knox originally played snare drum with the Aristocrat of Bands until becoming head drum major. He also serves as a percussionist and bass player in Tennessee State University’s Collegians jazz band, and performs with the percussion, wind, and commercial music ensembles. In the future, he plays to obtain bachelors and masters degrees in Audio and Media Arts and forge a career the music industry as a musician, audio engineer, and producer.