In 2001, the Michigan Marching Band made history with Karen England of Greenville, Michigan, as its first female drum major. This was a significant moment in the band’s 105-year history, taking place in the iconic Big House. England’s leadership marked a milestone for women in the band, which had only allowed female members since 1972 due to Title IX.
The cover of the Sept. 5, 2001, issue of The Michigan Daily features England doing the traditional drum major back bend after leading the U-M band into Michigan Stadium. (Photo from the archives of The Michigan Daily)
England’s journey to drum major was challenging. After auditioning for three consecutive years, her peers finally selected her in her senior year. “I wanted this more than anything in the world,” England shared with Michigan News in 2001. “Over the last few years, I knew I was going to have to make the band my No. 1 priority.”
Her dedication included months of rigorous preparation, involving running Michigan Stadium stairs, weightlifting, and mastering U-M’s signature drum major backbend. “I am always in excellent shape for the season,” she stated.
Despite her aspirations in astronomy and astrophysics, England’s reaction to her groundbreaking role was modest. “It was very exciting to make history, but that’s not the reason I tried out,” England told The Michigan Daily in 2001. “To the band, I’m just the drum major.”
Since England’s historic appointment, three more women have served as drum major: McKenna Thayer (2016), Kelly Bertoni (2018, 2019), and Rachel Zhang (2022).
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