Definition

1. Noun:
   • The leader of a marching band or drum corps: A "drum major" is the person who leads a marching band or drum corps, often directing the musicians, setting the tempo, and performing ceremonial or showmanship duties at the front of the group.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The drum major raised the baton to signal the start of the parade.
  • Her dream was to become the drum major for the university's marching band.

Advanced Usage

• "Drum major's mace": Refers to the ceremonial staff or baton carried and twirled by a drum major as a symbol of leadership and for visual effect during performances.
  • The intricate routine with the drum major's mace was the highlight of the halftime show.

Variants and Related Words

• Drum majorette (n): A female leader of a marching band, often performing baton twirling. (Note: This is a related but distinct term, not a variant of "drum major" itself).
  • The drum majorette led the band with impressive baton skills.

Synonyms

• Bandleader: A leader of a band, though this is a more general term not specific to marching.
• Field commander: A term sometimes used in drum and bugle corps for a similar leadership role.

Related Phrases

• "To be the drum major for": To lead or be the principal figure for a group or cause (often used metaphorically).
  • She became the drum major for the new environmental initiative on campus.

Noun

1. the leader of a marching band or drum corps