When it comes to the history of the Marching “100,” it’s no secret that males have dominated the world of music and marching for quite some time.
But I have marched with the band for four years and have never heard of any rule preventing female members from becoming a drum major or being a bandleader in any other capacity.
Although there are requirements and the training is rigorous, there have been females that audition for this position.
Because of their visibility, the position of drum major is often mistaken as the highest and most important ranking position.
But just like any other functioning organization, there are many different things that must be done to keep the band running smoothly.
It is the persons without official titles, the people behind the scenes of halftime shows that are most important.
These are the people that allow for the band to operate like a well-oiled machine.
One example in particular is the group of ladies called “Women In The Hundred” or WITH.
This group of young ladies has done everything from passing out shirts and cleaning the music library to serving food to the 400-piece band.
It’s organizations like WITH and others that are filled with male and female members that perform vital duties like cleaning the band room, running sectionals and copying music for the entire band.
Groups such as this make it much easier for the band staff, band members and even drum majors to carry out their respective tasks.
While these positions may seem miniscule in comparison to everything that is seen on the field, they keep the bigger tasks from being an issue in the long run.
The fact there are no female drum majors is not an issue because everyone is given the opportunity to audition.
In fact, when the “100” is on the field, gender isn’t an issue.
All members understand that we can never make excuses as to why we cannot do something.
We must simply deliver results.
There is a saying that “there are no women in the ‘100′.”
This is said not because we lack femininity, but merely because we approach the field with the understanding that we are capable of anything a man on the field is capable of doing.
Females who obtain leadership positions are expected to do the same things that men do on the field because it is not about gender, but uniformity.
The first woman to become a drum major will make history, much like the first time a woman marched in the band.
But the groundwork has already been established.
Catherine Williams is a senior English student from Atlanta. She can be reached at famuanopinions@gmail.com.