drum major
Baton-twirling leader
A drum major is the leader of a marching band, directing the musicians and setting the tempo during performances and parades.
The drum major typically marches at the front, using a baton or mace for signals and conducting.
Despite the name, the role focuses on leadership rather than drumming: The drum major raised her baton and the band stepped off.
Bludgeon with flanged head
- twirlingRapid circular motion
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- tossingLight underhand throw
- catchingAble to be transmitted
flipping · dexterity · precision · grip · control · routine · flourish · salute
Ceremonial public procession
- halftimeMidpoint break in games
- field showMarching band performance
- formationCreation or arrangement
- cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
drill · procession · high-step · strut · goose-step · backbend · whistle · signals
Musical ensemble director
- field commanderOfficer leading troops deployed
- section leaderHead of a subdivision
- headUppermost body part
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
director · captain · guide · coordinator · chief · front · responsibility · command
Skill at impressive presentation
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
- spectacleVisually striking event
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
exhibition · fanfare · pomp · flair · presence · charisma · confidence · timing
mace
Bludgeon with flanged head
catching · flipping · dexterity · precision · grip · control · routine · flourish · salute · presentation
parade
Ceremonial public procession
- halftimeMidpoint break in games
- field showMarching band performance
- formationCreation or arrangement
cadence · drill · procession · high-step · strut · goose-step · backbend · whistle · signals · commands
bandmaster
Musical ensemble director
- field commanderOfficer leading troops deployed
- section leaderHead of a subdivision
- headUppermost body part
authority · director · captain · guide · coordinator · chief · front · responsibility · command · discipline
showmanship
Skill at impressive presentation
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
- spectacleVisually striking event
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
entertainment · exhibition · fanfare · pomp · flair · presence · charisma · confidence · timing · synchronization
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
downbeat · pace · meter · rhythm · count · cue · cutoff · fermata · accelerando · ritardando
shako
Plumed ceremonial military cap
- plumeOrnamental feather or rising column
- baldricDiagonal sword-carrying belt
- gauntletsProtective hand and wrist armor
epaulettes · sash · cape · boots · regalia · bearskin · busby · braiding · insignia · ceremonial dress
- marchingmilitary march, quick march, slow march, route march, forced march
- marching bandmarching band, military bands, parade music, color guard, halftime shows
- Military Paradesmarch music, marching, marchers, formation, formations
- parade performersbaton twirler, color guard, flag bearer, trumpeter, grand marshal
- Youth Leadership Rolespresident, vice president, secretary, treasurer, captain
- military bandsmarching bands, marching band, brass bands, pipe bands, concert bands
drum majororchestra conductor
Leader of musical ensemble
conductor · symphony conductor · music director · bandmaster · maestro