About Us
Setting the standard, one note at a time.
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The First...
1953, first African American Collegiate Chapter of Music Educators National Conference
1955, first College Marching Band in American to perform live for a National Football League (NFL) Game nationally televised audience. The entire halftime performance was covered both by NBC and CBS
1961, first Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Marching Band to perform in a Presidential Inaugural Parade for John F. Kennedy
1962, First state of Tennessee College or University to be accepted into the prestigious National Association of Schools of Music and the second HBCU to earn membership
2002, first College Marching Band in America to be named the Official Band of an NFL Team (Tennessee Titans)
2011, 2013, & 2018, first HBCU Marching Band invited to perform for the Bands of America Grand Nationals
2014, first College Marching Band in America to perform halftime live of the NFL Hall of Fame Game, nationally televised audience
2016, first HBCU Marching Band invited to perform on the White House Lawn by President Barack Obama for the celebration of the opening of the Smithsonian African American History Museum
2017, first College Marching Band in America to perform at the intermission of an International Soccer Match, Mexico vs New Zealand
2018, first HBCU Wind Ensemble to audition for and be accepted to perform for The Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival on the stage of Chicago Symphony Hall
2019, first HBCU Marching Band invited to perform on the NFL Draft Red Carpet
2019, first HBCU Marching to perform for the Nationally Televised ESPN First Take
2022, first HBCU Jazz Ensemble (The Tennessee State Collegians) to audition for and be accepted to perform for the prestigious International Mid-West Band & Orchestra Clinic
2023, first College Marching Band album (THE URBAN HYMNAL) to win/awarded a GRAMMY in America
2023, first HBCU Marching Band invited to perform on the White House Stage by President Joe Biden for the Inaugural National Celebration of Juneteenth
"Leading with precision, commanding with pride—our drum majors are the heartbeat of every performance, guiding the Aristocrat of Bands with unmatched energy and excellence."
The Fantastic 4 are the elite drum majors of the Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) at Tennessee State University. Renowned for their precision, charisma, and leadership, these four individuals are the driving force behind AOB’s legendary performances. Known for their high-stepping routines and commanding presence, the Fantastic 4 lead the band with unmatched energy and skill, setting the pace for every formation and performance.
Their role extends beyond the field as they serve as ambassadors of excellence, representing the heart and soul of TSU’s rich musical tradition. The Fantastic 4 exemplify discipline, dedication, and pride, ensuring that the Aristocrat of Bands continues to set the standard for collegiate marching bands nationwide.
The Sophisticated Ladies are the auxiliary dance team for the GRAMMY award winning Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands (AOB). Known for their beauty, style, and grace on and off the field, the Sophisticated Ladies pride themselves on passion, dedication, and heart for their university, community, and the artistry of dance. Envisioned and designed to be the upper echelon of dance teams, the Sophisticated Ladies bring a bold, jazzy flair to the field, bringing to life what the AOB does musically. They interpret what your ears hear, and they bring to life what your eyes see.