Recent Central State University graduate embarks on a harmonious journey

From the volleyball court to the conductor’s podium, 2025 graduate Kamille Austin’s time at Central State University has been a symphony of talent, service, and growth. 

A Cincinnati native, Austin’s path to Central State was paved with passion for both athletics and the arts. "I didn't look at any other schools," she said. “Once I was accepted and got a scholarship offer for volleyball and band, I was set. And the fact that it’s an HBCU? I was excited.” 

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Austin arrived on campus in 2020 amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though her freshman volleyball season was cut short, she balanced athletics, marching band, and a full music major schedule. But by sophomore year, she made a pivotal choice: to step away from volleyball and embrace a new kind of leadership — as drum major for the Invincible Marching Marauders. 

Austin’s transition from athlete to music leader marked the beginning of a deeper involvement with the music communities at Central State and the surrounding area. As drum major, she performed on the field, led rehearsals, taught music to her peers, and provided individual support to band members.  

Her academic pursuits matched her passion. Austin graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Performance, and she became the first student at Central State to complete the newly developed certificate in Commercial Music Technology. 

Austin’s talents also extended well beyond campus. In addition to performing with CSU ensembles, she served as a section leader at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Centerville and played with community groups like the World House Choir in Yellow Springs. Her involvement in Yellow Springs deepened during her student teaching placement in the local schools. “I didn’t realize how close Yellow Springs was to Central,” she said. “It became the perfect place to connect with students and stay involved with campus.” 

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Through that connection, Austin found herself immersed in local arts. She performed at Emporium Wine & Underdog Café and taught music to students from Mills Lawn Elementary and Yellow Springs High School. “Being in the community and then seeing my students’ parents at performances or bumping into students riding bikes — it all felt like a true sense of community,” she said. “I love sharing music with people.”  

Austin’s collaborative spirit extended to other regional organizations as well. She played piano and saxophone for events in Xenia, performed at Hidden Gem Jazz Lounge in Centerville, and participated in contemporary worship services with area ministries. 

During her student teaching experience, Austin learned the power of simplicity and consistency. Her mentors modeled effective classroom management strategies and encouraged her growth as both a teacher and musician. “One of my mentors had three rules for students: be nice, try hard, and be respectful,” Austin shared. “Everything else really flowed from those.” 

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As she reflected on her time at Central State and in the surrounding communities, Austin expressed gratitude for the many current and former faculty and staff who shaped her journey — mentors who supported her through licensure prep, instrumental lessons, composition feedback, and performance opportunities.   

Now a graduate, Austin is preparing to begin the next chapter of her story in Nashville, Tennessee, where she will pursue a master’s degree in commercial music composition and performance at Belmont University. She has accepted a part-time K–12 teaching position and plans to continue serving the community through education, performance, and ministry. 

Long-term, Austin hopes to become a licensed music therapist and work with children in school and hospital settings. “I want to bring music therapy into schools and offer something meaningful to students with different needs,” she said. 

From Central State to Centerville, Yellow Springs to Nashville, Austin is using her gifts to uplift, inspire, and bring people together — one note at a time.