Four drum majors for the 2024-25 edition of the Mighty Marching Hornets will lead the ensemble when the football team faces North Carolina Central University on Sept. 1 during the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic in Miami. Kameron Johnson, Dontreal Hall, Kameron Shabazz and Nazareth Martin were selected as this year’s drum majors.
In addition to serving as the student leaders of the Mighty Marching Hornets, the drum majors will play an active role in helping coordinate rehearsals, conduct some of the halftime and exhibition performances and lead the band in the stands at the games.
James Oliver, Ed.D., who has directed the Mighty Marching Hornets for more than 20 years, gave a little insight into his band and the drum majors.
Auditions for the four spots were held during the summer session.

“It included interviews, marching and music auditions, as well as teaching and conducting demonstrations. Throughout each aspect of the audition, these four students demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership,” Oliver said. “My drum majors are prepared during pre-drill, basically when they come in as freshmen. Once they learn how to march and learn our technique and our style, you can be anything from there. You can be a section leader or drum major because we do the same thing.”
He continued.
“I prepare these guys on how to play and march, and the most important part is teaching them leadership. Once they decide they want to be a drum major, they have to go to summer camp. And they have to prove to me they can be a leader. Taking them to camp and all that prepares them to be a drum major.”
Johnson, a senior business management major, is the co-head drum major.
“I prepared myself to be a drum major by basically managing and regulating everything. Especially during my first year because, at the time, it was COVID (COVID-19 pandemic). So basically, I had to adapt to a new schedule very fast and overtime, it just became a routine. The university helped a lot with time management. As you know, not everyone here is a drum major, so not everyone understands.”
He continued.
“Although I was familiar with the band because I played in high school, I did not know how serious this band was. The university let me know how serious the band actually was. When I saw the Alabama State University band perform, I knew I wanted to be a drum major in the back of my head. I never thought it would come true. I came here learning, and found it is not easy at all. This is actually my first year being a drum major.”
Shabazz, a senior music education major, is the head drum major and explained that self-work was essential for some of the drum majors.
“Preparing for the band is a lot,” Shabazz said. “I took many self-healing days and reflected on myself to prepare because the band is like a job. I did six years in the high school band before coming in, but I was the drum major my last year in high school. At the university, there are larger responsibilities, but it is fun to have new experiences and meet new people. There is also a lot of networking involved.”
Hall, a double major in theater and pre-medicine, described his experience as very educational and strengthening for him.
“It takes at least five months to prepare for the band,” he said. “It took plenty of exercise and education. Many days and nights were definitely put in. I am really dedicated to the band. I started playing in middle school and all the way up to now. I did not have any experience with being a drum major. This is a new experience for me, but I have been in band for about 12 years now.”
Martin, a music education major, said he had to “connect with God” to prepare for this year.
“I prepared myself for the band by lining up as much as I could with God,” he said. “A foundation with God can be translated into all aspects of life. Just by trusting God and making sure my mental (health) was ready for discontent and endurance in terms of everything. Many of my family members, on both sides, are musically inclined.”
He continued.
“I played in the band at an open house and ever since then, I liked it. And I was blessed to get a scholarship here and succeed in music. Music is a universal language, and being able to play has made a great impact on my life. Everyone has their own special part when it comes to band quite literally, but I could do something on a bigger scale. I literally contributed my physical being to make sure the band is better critiquing, marching and making sure small things are crisp. Playing in the band fortifies my mind, making sure that I am on my toes and making sure I am translating that into my performance.”