MSU’s Famous Maroon Band announces 2026-27 drum majors

Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State is ready to strike up the Famous Maroon Band with four drum majors from Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee leading the more than 400-member group in the upcoming academic year.

Performing at all Bulldog football games and other university functions, the 124-year-old band has achieved national and international acclaim, including the 2026 national Sudler Trophy—considered the highest honor a collegiate marching band can receive.

Chosen from auditions, the 2026-27 drum majors include:

—Olivia Dickerson, senior biochemistry major, Gautier

—Josh Ducey, sophomore aerospace engineering major, Arlington, Tennessee

—Ava Hinyub, junior music education major, Gulf Shores, Alabama

—James Leon, junior electrical engineering major, Biloxi

Band members fine-tune and showcase their talents under the leadership of Director of Bands Elva Kaye Lance, with Craig Aarhus and Cliff Taylor, who serve as associate directors of bands and professors in MSU’s Department of Music.

“The drum majors of our marching band serve as the bridge between the staff and our student membership,” said Lance, a veteran music educator with more than 30 years of university service. “In addition to functioning as the primary conductors for the performances of the marching band both on the field and in the stands, these students communicate with students, alumni, fans and the athletic department operational team to produce the in-game environment. Additionally, they assist with drill and music instruction in our day-to-day rehearsals.

“Their tone helps to shape the culture of our marching band,” Lance added. “These outstanding students model the level of professionalism and preparation that we expect from all our members, and we are very excited about the opportunity to work with them in this role.”

In addition to regular performances at football and basketball games and other campus events, the FMB has made appearances in national basketball tournaments and numerous bowl games. On the international stage, its Wind Ensemble has performed in Austria, the Czech Republic, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain.

Representing a wide range of academic disciplines, band members receive academic credit each semester and are scholarship-eligible for their participation. Along with the marching band, there are four concert and two basketball pep bands, with a jazz band rounding out the FMB program.

Tax-deductible donations for MSU Bands are accepted via the MSU Foundation. To contribute, contact Lynn Durr at 662-325-8918 or ldurr@advservices.msstate.edu.

MSU’s College of Education, home of the Department of Music and Famous Maroon Band, also includes four additional academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu and www.msuband.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.