We want to know!
UMass proudly named our first in 1937. And not just one!
In 1937, the Massachusetts State College Band quietly broke new ground by appointing Erma Alvord ’40 and Alberta Johnson ‘40 as the band’s first female drum majors. At a time when most college marching bands remained closely tied to military organizations that excluded women, MSC became one of the earliest collegiate bands to place women in visible leadership roles.
The appointments were controversial. Debate centered less on whether women could lead than on how long their skirts should be, with Drum Major Stan Bozek favoring knee-length skirts and Dean of Women Edna Skinner insisting on ankle length. A compromise was reached, and the women took the field in standard band coats over white skirts.
Any skepticism quickly faded. Alvord earned standing ovations for her performances, while the band’s most successful season to date helped normalize the presence of women on the field. Though female musicians would not join the band until 1942, the appointment of women as drum majors marked an important early milestone in the evolution of collegiate marching bands.
First Head Drum Major
Linda (Paul) Hannum, who served as a drum major in 1979, went solo as the band’s only drum major in 1980.
Who Was Yours?
Comment below with your school, the name of your first female drum major, and the years she served.
Shouldn’t Linda Paul Hannum’s picture be shown? Maybe split screen with Katy Boggs. Unless you click on picture, the caption is misleading.
Believe it or not, even Linda has a tough time coming with a good photo. Particularly or folks who know neither Linda nor Katy, the image is a good representation of the LONG HISTORY the UMMB has with women leaders 🙂
Actually my mother Eleanor Lee Priest was the first female Drum Major for Miami University of Ohio Marching Band in from 1948 to 1950. She turned down a music scholarship to Ohio State because at that time the band was all male. After my mother’s audition at Miami they welcomed her with open arms! She also went on to be a National Collegiate Twirling Champion.
Bucknell University holds the distinction. Bernice Henry Rathmell was the first female drum major at a major university in the United States. She graduated Bucknell University in 1939. https://clipperpioneers.com/bernice-henry-rathmell/
Debbie Souter was the drum major of the University of Illinois Marching Illini in 1977. I believe she was the first female DM in the Big Ten.