In HBCU football, many times the marching band is a bigger draw than the sport. Halftime becomes the main event, and often, the electrifying entrances of the bands rival the action on the field itself. Thousands remain for the famed “Fifth Quarter,” holding on to every note long after a three-hour game has ended.
From the thunder of the drums to the power of the tubas and the grace of the flag corps, the pageantry of HBCU marching bands stands in a class of its own. This excellence has carried them to the world’s biggest stages. From Super Bowls and the Tournament of Roses Parade to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Presidential Inaugurations. HBCU bands are not just entertainment—they are a cultural force in high demand.
At the center of it all are the drum majors—the field generals of the band. They set the tone for pregame and halftime, commanding attention with precision, charisma, and show-stopping performances. Whether through backbends, acrobatics, or perfectly timed movements, the spotlight often begins with them.
For decades, women have made their mark in this prestigious role. From pioneers like Felicia Carter-Johnson of Tennessee State’s “Aristocrat of Bands” to trailblazers like Cori Bostic, who became the first female drum major of Florida A&M’s Marching “100” in 2018, these women have carried the tradition forward with excellence and pride.
HBCU Gameday reached out to women drum majors
HBCU Gameday solicited the support of all those in the HBCU sphere to help us identify these remarkable women. The response has been amazing and we thank each of you who pointed us in the direction of these HBCU legends so we could honor them properly. We now present these amazing women as a tribute during Women’s History Month.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor these queens who answered the call, broke barriers, and built lasting legacies as drum majors of HBCU marching bands.
Sydney Nicole Gale (“Queen of the League”)
Gale attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and served as drum major for the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) during the 2016–2017 season. Gale rose through the program holding key leadership roles including Drill Master, Piccolo Section Leader, and Dance Committee member. In 2016, she made history as the fourth woman drum major at UAPB. She served as Second Head Drum Major in Command and leading more than 200 band members with precision and poise. Known for her leadership on and off the field, she was voted “Favorite Drum Major” by the student body in 2017 and later recognized as an Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma in 2020.
JaLisa Green Hall
Hall attended Lincoln University (Missouri) and served as drum major for the Lincoln University Marching Musical Storm. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, she joined the band in 2007 as a trombone player before rising into leadership as the second female drum major in program history, following Chastity Coleman. Known for her electrifying presence, her signature tunnel entrance became a lasting highlight of Lincoln University’s homecoming tradition. In addition to her role as drum major, Hall was a member of the university’s Dance Troupe and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, continuing her legacy of leadership and excellence beyond her collegiate years.
Kellye Hall “Po Pimp back then Dr. Drum Major now”
Hall attended NC A&T SU and served as drum major for the The Blue and Gold Marching Machine during Junior year 98-99 season and Senior year 99-00 season. I was A&Ts 1st female drum major. There has only been 1 more since then. I am a member of Tau Beta Sigma, pledged my freshman year, then pledged Delta Sigma Theta my senior year. As a middle schooler, I used to dance on the track with one of the greatest A&T drum majors ever, Anthony Criss, who became a mentor to me. Both my dad and my uncle marched in A&Ts band, so I was a BGMM legacy. Dr. Hodge chose me to be drum major the first day of band camp my Junior year. Never saw it coming because when I saw SCSU had a female drum major my sophomore year, I asked Doc when we would get one. He said, “Never as long as I’m band director.” He changed his mind that next summer. After college, I went on to medical school and I’m an emergency physician. Hence the nickname Dr. Drum Major.
Candace Hawthorne
Hawthorne attended Grambling State University and served as drum major for the “World Famed” Grambling Tiger Marching Band during 2021-2022?. Candace Hawthorne became the first woman drum major for the Grambling State University “World Famed” Tiger Marching Band in nearly 70 years, announced in August 2021. A senior engineering technology and music major, she followed Velma Patricia Patterson (1951–52) as the second woman to hold the position in the band’s history.
KSLA News 12 .
Johnetta Horton
Horne attended Alabama A&M University and served as drum major for the Marching Maroon and White Band during 2003-2004. She made history as drum major of an all-girls squad for the Marching Tigers of Fairfield High Preparatory School in 2002. Her groundbreaking path continued as she joined the incomparable Marching Maroon and White also known as the “Showband of the South.” Coming on in 2002, by summer of 2003, she was selected as drum major of the Fab 5 and made history becoming the first woman drum major of the Marching Maroon and White Band in the past two decades. Johnetta blazed the trail for more women drum majors to lead the MMW for years to come. Throughout her time with the band, Ms. Horton demonstrated resilience, strength, and leadership, performing at numerous events, including the largest HBCU Classic, The Magic City Classic in Birmingham, AL.
Cynthia M. Hughes-Hannah
Cynthia M. Hughes-Hannah attended Mississippi Valley State University and served as drum major for the Mean Green Marching Music Machine from 1974 to 1975. Introduced to the program in 1972, Hughes-Hannah brought a polished background as a drum corps member. Hughes-Hannah also brought exceptional sight-reading ability and commanding leadership. At a time when women were rarely recognized in such roles, she rose to prominence under the direction of Leonard “Chief” Tramiel. She became widely regarded as the first Black woman drum major in the SWAC. Her legacy extends beyond the band field. She is as an educator, principal, mentor, and devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She earning recognition decades later, including honors during the HBCU Chicago Football Classic in 2023.
Brittney Hunn “Miller”
Miller attended Clark Atlanta University and served as drum major for the Mighty Marching Panther Band during 2014.
“I was the 4th female Drum Major at Clark Atlanta University. During my time in the Mighty Marching Panthers, I played flute, piccolo, French horn, and tenor drum. I’m also a proud member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc., initiated in Spring 2010.
“Whenever people found out I was in the band, they just assumed that I was part of the Essence Dance Line (which I would’ve loved), but that was of my biggest motivations for becoming Drum Major – breaking the stereotype that the role was for men.
Quiara Jackson “Q”
Jackson attended Norfolk state university and served as drum major for the Legion aka Spartan Legion. She was the first woman drum major in Norfolk State history. She was 2nd in command, cap-n-soul. She is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma honorary band Sorority.
Geralyn Jones- Putman “Gege”
Jones-Putnam attended Alcorn State University and served as drum major for the Sounds of Dynamite during 2008-2010. Geralyn was a senior female drum major in the HBCU in 2009. She is a member of Tau Beta Sigma.
Khadijah Lockhart “Nickname: KD, Drum major name: Too Much Sauce”
Lockhart attended Clark Atlanta University and served as drum major for the Mighty Marching Panthers during 2016-2018. Khadijah “Too Much Sauce” Lockhart, also known as KD, served as a solo trailblazing drum major for the CAU Mighty Marching Panther Band during a critical period of rebuilding from 2016 to 2018. Leading during what many remember as a reconstruction era for the program, she stepped into the role with resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. KD understood that being drum major meant more than conducting, it meant setting the tone, restoring pride, and inspiring a band determined to rise again.
KD’s dedication helped lay the foundation for the Mighty Marching Panther Band’s resurgence. Her leadership during those formative years not only guided the band through challenges but also reignited the spirit and tradition that defines the program. Today, her legacy stands as a testament to the power of determination, heart, and true Panther pride.
Shai McKenney
McKinney attended Savannah State University and served as drum major for the Power House of the South during 2023-2024 and head drum major 2024-2025. She was drum major her junior year and head drum major her senior year. She may have been the first woman head drum major.
Conswayla McNelley “Shay”
McNelley attended Tennessee State University and served as drum major for the Aristocrat of Bands during 2025-current. Conswayla (Shay) McNelley is the 4th woman Drum major in the history of the AOB. She served as piccolo section leader previously and is currently president of the Zeta Pi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc, and is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc!
Devyn Miles “Diggy”
Myles attended Tennessee State University and served as drum major for the Aristocrat of Bands during 2013 and 2014. She was third woman drum major in history. After being with the band for three years, Miles wasn’t pleased with the continued absence of a woman on the leading team, referred to as the “Fantastic 4.” In the long history of the marching band, Miles’ team of applicants was the first group to go through a tryout to become drum majors. While Miles is thankful to her fellow band members and directors for their support, she can only imagine the difficulty her earlier compatriots faced more than 30 years ago.
Tamara Myles “Tammy”
Myles attended Jackson State University and served as drum major for the Sonic Boom of the South during 2001-2004. At 19, she became the first woman drum major and first woman head drum major of the Sonic Boom of the South. She led the Boom in the 2003 34th NAACP Image Awards opening. They collaborated with Cedric the Entertainer. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.