drum major

noun

1. the marching leader of a drum corps or a band.

drum major

noun

1. the noncommissioned officer, usually of warrant officer's rank, who is appointed to command the corps of drums of a military band and who is in command of both the drums and the band when paraded together

Word History and Origins

Origin of drum major¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Paul Antonio Johnson led a procession along the perimeter, his high knees evoking a drum major in a marching band.

From New York Times

We lost one of our greatest drum majors for justice.

From Salon

Lill said she saw the drum majors conducting for the first time and thought, “Whoa, I want to be like that one day.”

From Seattle Times

One of the three drum majors, Dominique Conner, speeds through his bandmates, handing out kudos when earned and criticism when needed.

From Seattle Times

The drum major and French horn player helped lead the Anna High School marching band to the state finals in November 2021, the farthest the team had ever advanced.

From Seattle Times