Howard University's First Female Drum Major Reflects on Trailblazing Legacy

Dr. Mary Spruce paved the way for future generations of HBCU drum majors.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:27pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a drum major's baton repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the iconic symbol of HBCU marching band culture in a modern pop art style.The trailblazing legacy of Howard University's first female drum major continues to inspire the next generation of HBCU band leaders.Chattanooga Today

Dr. Mary Spruce made history as the first female drum major at Howard University in the 1970s. In addition to her leadership in the marching band, she also held the distinction of being crowned Miss Howard University. Spruce's path to Howard was unconventional, but her passion for HBCU band culture was rooted in her high school days. Today, she finds inspiration in the current generation of female drum majors, particularly at Howard and Florida A&M.

Why it matters

Spruce's story highlights the important role of women in HBCU marching band traditions, which have long been dominated by men. As a trailblazer, she paved the way for future generations of female drum majors to gain visibility and leadership opportunities within these prestigious university bands.

The details

After joining Howard's marching band as a freshman, Spruce made history as the university's first female drum major following her first year. She credits the band director at the time, Richmond Myrick, a Florida A&M alum, with building the band into the renowned "Marching 100" during her tenure. Spruce's path to Howard was unconventional, as she simply pointed to a map and landed on Washington, D.C. for her college choice, influenced by the fact that Florida A&M's famed "Marching 100" did not admit women at the time.

  • Spruce was the first female drum major at Howard University in the 1970s.
  • She was also crowned Miss Howard University during her time at the university.

The players

Dr. Mary Spruce

The first female drum major at Howard University and a former Miss Howard University.

William Penn

The longtime band director at Howard University who retired and was succeeded by Richmond Myrick.

Richmond Myrick

The Florida A&M alum who became the band director at Howard University and built the "Marching 100" during Spruce's tenure.

Alana Howard

The current female drum major at Howard University, who Spruce finds inspiring.

Oluwamodupe 'Dupe' Oloyede

The current female drum major at Florida A&M University, who Spruce also finds inspiring.

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What they’re saying

“When I came to Howard, I joined the marching band. Our band director, Mr. William Penn, told me, 'You just look different marching inside.' We were the 'Nifty 50' then—small in numbers, but mighty empowered. We were musicians, many of us music majors, and others who simply loved the culture and wanted to continue what we started in high school.”

— Dr. Mary Spruce, Former Howard University Drum Major

“He came from the school I wished I could have attended. He brought in experienced musicians from the area and built the band into something special. By the time I graduated, we had grown into the Marching 100.”

— Dr. Mary Spruce, Former Howard University Drum Major

“I feel good because somebody has to start it. They're living in a different time now—one where they have visibility, connection, and platforms we didn't have. Back then, we were limited in resources and exposure. But we were still strong, still powerful, doing our thing in our own spaces. To have been a trailblazer and open that door—it means everything.”

— Dr. Mary Spruce, Former Howard University Drum Major

What’s next

Spruce plans to continue mentoring and inspiring the next generation of female drum majors, particularly those at Howard University and Florida A&M.

The takeaway

Spruce's pioneering journey as Howard University's first female drum major and Miss Howard University serves as a powerful reminder of the important role women have played in shaping the rich traditions of HBCU marching bands, despite facing historical barriers and limited resources.