Penn State Blue Band names first woman drum major. ‘Humbled to be a part of its history’
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- Penn State names Ellie Sheehan first female drum major in 125-year history.
- Sheehan previously led piccolo section and majors in marketing at Penn State.
- Blue Band debuts under Sheehan’s leadership during Aug. 30 football opener.
The Penn State Blue Band is still making history after 125 years.
Ellie Sheehan was announced as the marching band’s drum major for the 2025-26 season on Thursday, becoming the first woman to ever hold the position at Penn State.
Sheehan is a fifth-year student from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, majoring in marketing with a minor in digital media trends and analytics. Prior to being drum major, she was “a respected leader” in the Blue Band’s piccolo section, according to a Facebook post.
“I’m incredibly honored to serve as the Drum Major of the Penn State Blue Band for this upcoming season,” Sheehan said in the post. “The Blue Band represents the highest levels of tradition, excellence, and pride, and I am humbled to be a part of its history. I am so excited to support the band, build on the Blue Band legacy and represent Penn State with pride.”
Sheehan and the rest of the Blue Band will make their season debut when Penn State football hosts Nevada on Aug. 30.
