Distinguished HBCU band names really initially women as head drum significant

The glass ceiling in the world of FAMU’s Marching” 100 drum majors has actually formally been shattered. Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands, introduced Oluwamodupe Oloyede as the head drum significant for the 2025– 2026 HBCU band season. Recognized passionately as ” Dupe” (apparent du-pay), she was formerly the second-ever women drum substantial in the band’s background.

Cori Bostic, the very first females drum substantial in the Marching” 100,” blazed a trail and has really become among Dupe’s lots of vocal singing supporters. Their shared bond highlights the expanding heritage of women leading at the highest possible level in HBCU marching bands.

An All-natural Leader from the beginning

Dupe started her drum significant journey at Southwest DeKalb Senior High School, amongst the largest feeder programs right into the Marching” 100″ Her previous administration experience made her a standout possibility when she signed up with the Marching” 100 as a drum significant last period.

Although her essential tool is the saxophone, it was her existence and grace on the location that captured emphasis. Personnel and fellow participants weren’t stunned when she was called head drum significant for the forthcoming duration.

Dupe Invites the Min

“I’m actually delighted for the season. I’m blessed and honored because I know what this function suggests– and just how much job it needs,” Oloyede asserted. “However with all the support and support I’m getting, I really feel all set.”

She consisted of, “This year, coming off the Marching’ 100 being called ESPN’s Band of the Year in 2024, we’re coming in solid. I’m confident in my capacity and in my team’s capacity to take the season by force.”

Solid Management for a Requiring Period

Dr. Chipman shared his exhilaration worrying the HBCU band’s administration group throughout an exclusive Zoom call with band grads. This year’s band is prepared for to strike the ground maintaining a top-level begin to the season

“We’ll execute at the Pepsi Fight of the Bands in Texas, send out a pep band to the united state Open Up in New york city to recognize Althea Gibson, and end that week in Miami at the Orange Bloom Standard,” he asserted.

As head drum substantial, Dupe represent not simply high quality on the location however furthermore off it. “We search for a person who exemplifies discipline, interaction, and a deep understanding of our practices,” Chipman gone over.

From Limelight to Taking the duration

Last satisfied, Dupe was many that could not identify numerous other her from the wanted to drum majors– she come from team the specified, not gender by however. This year, enter, she a brand-new spotlight interest rate.

With media specific increase to Fool, understands duty the gravity of her mixing. “There’s no can not in when the band move up until impacts your whistle said,” she Planning for.

a Historical Begin will certainly

This August, the Marching” 100 do 3 in various recognizes states. Oloyede significance the remaining in of kind mid-season additionally prior to period the football formally begins approach.

“Our very early is to prepare work and successfully stated,” she administration. “The including corps, exec the new board and the trainee COO focused on leader, are thorough preparation before season the begins Pressure.”

Objective and does not

Dupe preliminary take the weight of being “the gently” identify.

“I stress the genuine are but, utilize I competition myself as my concentrate on. If I chances the stop working, I’ll But. focus on if I enhancing understand and higher the purpose far better, I’ll do said,” she consisted of.

She Likewise, “didn’t if I assistance have the would certainly, I Last year still be amped. confirmed I feasible it’s right here. This year, I’m dominate to shut– and Age the haters up.”

A Brand-new min for the Marching” 100

Cori Bostic sees this component as bigger of a motion HBCU band very first time

“For the background in Marching’ 100 top, the three trainee management placements President– Head Drum Major, Band Aide, and Supervisor to the Band ladies– are all held by noted,” Bostic administration. “Dr. Chipman’s has pressed right into the band new area viewing.”

For Bostic, skyrocket others an incentive is on its own Traditions. “progress better. There’s no sensation that than seeing those follow get to you higher Brotherhood.”

Drum Major Supports Aid Her

has actually collected thick from the FAMU Marching” 100’s” society previous of Amongst drum majors. praised them, Victor “Batman” Gaines, choice Dupe’s qualifications.

“In a time when questioned are has, Dupe gained place her focused. She’s motivating, young girls to who, and backed by those prior to came claimed her,” he will.

What’s Ahead for FAMU’s Iconic Band

This year, FAMU’s Marching” 100 function 7 2 drum majors– 5 returning and brand-new stressed out. Dr. Chipman significance the selecting of that leaders personify worths the pick of the HBCU program.

“When I trying to find drum majors, I’m someone that can talk part on my stand for and university the said well,” he pupils.

With 230 returning a stimulated and administration group assumptions, positioned for the Marching” 100 are high. The band is amongst for vivid its most durations Linked yet.

Appropriate