The Drum Major conducts the Corps. He or she will be on a scaffold right in front of the Drum Pit at the 50 yard line.
The Drum Major salutes to indicate that the Corps is ready to perform. The salute is often embellished with flourishes that reflect the Corps’ traditions or the current show.
You will also see the Drum Majors at the Retreat at the end of the competition when the results are announced. When their Corps is called, they step forward and “shake and take”; they salute, shake the hand of the presenter, take the award, step back and place the award on the ground.
There are usually 1 or 2 junior Drum Majors. They mirror the lead Drum Majors’ hand movement to keep time on the back and or side of the field. You might see one of them run to a new position mid-way through the show to be in the best spot to keep the entire Corps on the same beat.
Drum Majors are chosen through a very competitive audition process. They are judged on their ability to provide leadership and teaching marching basics as well as conducting.