The marching leader of a pipe band. The drum major marches in front of the band and carries the mace.

One of three students chosen to lead the band.

A drum major is the leader of a marching band, drum and bugle corps, or pipe band. The drum major is responsible for providing commands (verbally, through hand gestures, or with whistle commands or alternatively with a baton or mace) to the ensemble regarding where to march, what to play, and what time to keep. A drum major (sometimes called a drum majorette if female) can come to hold that position by either auditioning or being appointed.