Albany State University Marching Rams Show Band Names Edreka Coleman First Female Head Drum Major

Edreka Coleman to lead the Marching Rams Show Band as head drum major for the 2026–2027 academic year.

ALBANY, GA, UNITED STATES, August 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Albany State University’s (ASU) Marching Rams Show Band (MRSB) will make history this fall as Edreka Coleman, a senior music education major from Macon, Georgia, becomes the University’s first female head drum major.

Coleman, who previously served as a drum major during the 2025–2026 academic year, will lead the Marching Rams Show Band’s three-drum-major team during the 2026–2027 academic year. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the band’s history and builds on a legacy of women who have served as drum majors at Albany State.

Previous female drum majors include Chasity Johnson (2003–2004), the late Ashley Pickney (2006–2007), Fayola Braithwaite (2011–2012), and Desiree Wesson (2016–2017). Coleman now becomes the first woman to serve as the ensemble’s head drum major, taking on the lead role among the band’s three drum majors.

“Being the first female head drum major at Albany State University is an incredible honor, but more than anything, I see it as a responsibility and a blessing from God. I understand that I am standing in a position that represents more than just me. I am representing every woman and every young girl who has ever dreamed of stepping into a leadership position. I hope my leadership shows that with faith, hard work, preparation and perseverance, there is no limit to what God can do through you.”
– Edreka Coleman, Senior Music Education Major, Head Drum Major, Albany State University

As head drum major, Coleman will serve as the lead student leader among the band’s drum majors, helping provide direction, coordination and leadership for the ensemble during rehearsals, performances and appearances. While all three drum majors serve as leaders and conductors of the band, the head drum major assumes the primary leadership role and works closely with the director of bands and other student leaders to help guide the ensemble.
Coleman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Albany State University Marching Rams Show Band, which continues to expand its presence on the national stage.

This fall, the Marching Rams Show Band will make history as the first HBCU band to perform in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, Michigan, as part of the parade’s 100th anniversary celebration. The band is also scheduled to perform in the 2026 Legends at Legion Field HBCU Battle of the Bands, adding to a growing list of high-profile performances.

Recognized as one of the nation’s premier HBCU marching ensembles, the Marching Rams Show Band is known for its dynamic performances, precision and electrifying sound. Under the leadership of Dr. William Brooks, Director of Bands, the program has experienced significant growth and increased national recognition since 2023, including appearances at the National Battle of the Bands and recognition as an ESPN “Band to Watch.”

During Brooks’ tenure, the band has grown from 26 musicians to 160 members, reaching a major enrollment goal in just four years.

“Edreka represents the leadership, discipline and excellence that we want to see throughout the Marching Rams Show Band. We are extremely proud of her and the example she is setting for our students and for young women who aspire to lead. Her appointment comes at an exciting time for this program. We have grown tremendously, and our national opportunities continue to grow with us. As we prepare for historic performances this fall, having strong student leaders like Edreka at the forefront is an important part of our continued success.”
– Dr. William Brooks, Director of Bands, Albany State University

Coleman’s journey as a drum major reflects both her individual accomplishments and the evolving leadership legacy of the Marching Rams Show Band. As a Music Education major, she is preparing for a career in music and education while gaining firsthand experience in leadership, performance and ensemble management.

Her appointment also underscores the continued opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through participation in Albany State’s renowned band program.

As the Marching Rams prepare for a landmark 2026–2027 performance season, Coleman will lead alongside her fellow drum majors as the band takes its signature sound and Golden Ram pride to audiences across the country.

Rachel Lawrence, Ed.D.
Albany State University
+1 229-364-6683
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