ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Edreka Coleman, a music education major at Albany State University, has become the school’s first-ever female head drum major.

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While women have been a part of the band for years, this is the first time a woman will be leading the entire band in a role typically held by men in the school’s history, ASU says.

Coleman says she’s “honored” by her new title and wants to be an inspiration for other women in roles like hers, according to ASU.

“I understand that I am standing in a position that represents more than just me. I am representing every woman and every young girl who has ever dreamed of stepping into a leadership position,” Coleman said.

ASU celebrated her achievement on social media, noting that Coleman—who first joined the Marching Rams’ drum majors in 2025—now sits “at the top of the student leadership structure for one of the most visible HBCU marching bands in the country.”

ASU’s director of bands, William Brooks, also complimented Coleman’s success, saying she “represents the leadership, discipline and excellence that we want to see throughout the Marching Rams Show Band.”

Coleman’s skills earned her both the role of head drum major and the nickname “Capriccio,” a word describing a difficult, fast piece of music that takes a lot of skill to play.

Coleman will be leading the Marching Rams in the Legends at Legion Field HBCU Battle of the Bands on Aug. 30 in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Marching Rams will also perform during America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit as part of the event’s 100th anniversary in November, ASU leaders said.

This is the first time a marching band from a historically Black college will be in the parade, adding to the ways Coleman is making history.

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