Inspired by a Drumline: ICC Helps Miles Find His Rhythm
When a drumline marched past in a homecoming parade, young Miles knew instantly: I want to do that.
That moment sparked a love for music that stayed with him through middle school, high school, and now college. But by the time he graduated high school in 2021, the path forward felt unclear.
His senior year—disrupted by COVID-19—left him unmotivated, disconnected, and without a plan. He hadn’t given college much thought, let alone applied anywhere. Panic began to set in as he realized he didn’t feel ready for what was next.
That fall, Miles enrolled at Illinois Central College, hoping to figure things out while pursuing the one thing he felt connected to: music.
I felt behind on my future, but ICC gave me the support and direction I needed. It built my character and prepared me for everything that came after.
Miles, ICC Student
The simple enrollment process, wonderful transition support, small class sizes, and community atmosphere quickly made a difference. “It felt like a family,” he said. That close-knit support gave Miles the confidence to begin again. With guidance from Music program chair Dr. Julie Clemens, he began to thrive.
Miles flourished. He earned a 4.0 GPA, co-founded a music education club, and credits this experience with developing the leadership style he now brings to his own teaching. “Dr. Clemens is the most supportive and hardworking person I’ve ever met. Her passion rubbed off on me.”
That momentum carried him forward. With a full scholarship, Miles transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, completing his bachelor’s in Music Education in just two years with another 4.0 GPA—while managing up to 21 credit hours each semester. Today, he’s beginning a master’s in Percussion Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois, preparing for a future in teaching, performing, or both.
He doesn’t claim to have it all figured out—but he does know this: the effort you put in matters.
“What you put in is what you get out—and ICC is proof of that.”
Miles came to ICC unsure of his next step. He left ready to teach, lead, and inspire others to find their own rhythm.