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

And to be able to serve as bandleader and drum leader, or drum major, for a group of incredible musicians is an absolute dream.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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We lost one of our greatest drum majors for justice.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Seattle Times

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

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