What does a drum major hold

The musical performance of the ensemble was and may still be delegated to the senior or ranking drummer in the group.

With the advent of the radio, militaries no longer needed bands or drum corps as signaling units. Today, military music ensembles and their drum majors operate in a detached fashion from the rest of the military, to varying degrees.

In 1949, The first camp for drum majors was made, Smith-Walbridge Clinics, which was located in Indiana. It then moved to the University of Illinois, and is now held Eastern Illinois University. The camp is one of the most traditional and great places for drum majors. It draws nearly 1500 people a year, and also trains percussion, marching band members, and color guards.

Marching Band[]

The drum major position is one of leadership, instruction, and group representation, but usually not administrative duties. A band director or corps director assumes administrative responsibility.

Drum majors are mostly responsible for knowing the music of the ensemble and conducting it appropriately. What is "appropriate" conducting has evolved over the decades. During the 1970s and prior it was not uncommon for a stationary drum major to do a high-lift mark time on the podium for an audible and visual tempo; with the arrival of increasingly higher drum major platforms and thus greater visibility this has become both dangerous and unnecessary. In addition to memorizing the music (between six and nine minutes of music is typical for high school marching bands, college bands and drum corps may have that much or more, up to more than eleven minutes of music) a drum major must memorize dynamics as well as tempo in order to provide proper direction and cues, particulartly in area where the drum major has some discretion, such as a ritardando or fermata.

To see one to three drum majors in most ensembles is typical. More usually indicates a group of prodigious size; conversely, no drum major may indicate a small band conducted by its director or a group lead by a horn sergeant or drumline captain. In some ensembles, drum majors switch positions during the show to allow all individuals a chance to conduct from the central podium, occasionally they may serve in other capacities such as performing a solo.

As marching bands have started to focus more directly on halftime shows and less on parades, the stereotypical staff or mace has vanished in preference of hand movements, occasionally with the use of a conductor's baton. Notable exceptions include Historically Black Colleges and Universities and traditional bands such as those found in the Big 10 Conference of college football. Drum majors have also become more elevated over the years, having moved off of the field over the course of the 1970s and 1980s and onto small podiums, which in recent years have often become some eight feet in height or larger. There may be supplemental podiums for additional drum majors, usually smaller in stature.

A marching band or drum corps drum major (field conductor) is in charge of holding the band/corps together, and directing the entire band/corps during shows and competitions. This drum major can come from any section of the performing unit: percussion, winds, or color guard. They are chosen on their musical abilities, leadership qualities, attitude, and passion for the sport. They are usually the highest ranked band participant, usually followed by the captain(s) of the drumline, then by guard captain(s), pit captain(s) and horn sergeant(s)/Section Leaders.

Have you ever seen a Marching Band perform and wondered who that very concentrated and serious-looking student that was leading the band was? They are definitely too young to be the band director, yet they seem to be in total control of the entire Marching Band. Well, that my friend is none other than the Drum Major!

The Drum Major is perhaps one of my favorite people to watch in a Marching Band. They exude personality and passion! But what exactly is the purpose of a Drum Major and Why are they so important to a Marching Band?

A Drum Major leads the band in Marching, rehearsals, and performances. Their job is to follow directions given by the band director, be an example to the other students or members of the band, and help the program run smoothly. Generally, the Drum Major is a senior member of the band.

If your goal is to be a Drum Major in college then be sure to attend a college that has a marching band. Not all colleges have Marching Bands and not all colleges place the same value on the band.

Universities like Ohio State have an amazing Marching Band program while other smaller universities won’t have the budget or focus to have a great Marching Band. The smaller universities will have less competition, but it may not be the type of program you are looking for.

The 10 Best College Marching Bands – College Raptor

Differences Between High School Drum Major and College Drum Major

The main responsibilities for being a Drum Major in high school or college will be the same, although being a college Drum Major requires more time and refinement of your skill.

The major difference is often becoming a college Drum Major may be more competitive, but may also come with more benefits.

Many college Drum Majors receive monetary rewards for taking on the role. Scholarships are often given for Drum Majors. Ohio State offers their Drum Major a free ride. Other colleges give stipends (which are payments of a set amount of money each season) for being an elite member of the band.

Is It Hard to Be Drum Major?

Being a Drum Major can be very difficult, demanding, and time-consuming. It requires a strong commitment to the band and a lot of dedication. Drum Majors will report that the rewards are well worth the effort.

Being in Marching Band, in general, is demanding physically and mentally. It requires a time commitment of many hours of practice each day, as well as competitions, and performances on the weekends.

During the summer months, there are often week-long camps that run from dawn until dusk.

Being a Drum Major is all that responsibility and more. Any practice or meeting that you have you should be the first to arrive and the last to leave. If you are wanting to be a Drum Major you will have to prioritize that over other things in your life. During Marching Band season you belong to the band.

Top Tip: It could be harder to become a Drum Major if you are female? Read this article to learn more.
Female Drum Majors That Inspire (Marching Band)

With this in mind, a lot of people may ask if being Drum Major is worth it?

Ask any previous Drum Major and 99% of the time their answer will be a resounding yes! Many things in life that require hard work and a strict commitment usually come with a multitude of benefits. This is no different.

Being a Drum Major can be very fulfilling. When your band earns awards and recognition you often get to accept those accolades on behalf of the band. This can leave you feeling very accomplished and full of pride in the band that you have worked hard to make successful.

Many life-long relationships and friendships are developed by being a leader in the band.

Being a Drum Major helps you learn and refine your leadership skills which can open doors to Scholarships as well as job opportunities. You can further use your skills if you want to become a director for a middle, high, or college music program.

Do Drum Majors Play Instruments?

Drum Majors often start out playing an instrument or being in the pit. It is rare but there have been some Drum Majors that started out as a member of the Color Guard. A member of the Color Guard has a higher chance of becoming Drum Major if they also know how to play one or more instruments.

The more musical knowledge a person has the higher their chance of becoming a Drum Major. Directors like it when their Drum Majors play multiple instruments because they then have the ability to help the different sections more with their musical techniques and abilities.

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